Everyone in New Orleans has heard at least one Professor Longhair tune in their life, but the late piano master deserves a much wider audience. With a recent write up in the Washington Post and a pair of films about his life on the horizon, wider appeal may soon be a reality.

John Bonham with Professor Longhair. Photo by Sidney Smith.

While Henry Roeland Byrd may have passed away in 1980, his spirit and musicianship live on in the New Orleans region. Simply put – Mardi Gras wouldn’t sound the same without him.

In an article by Mark Guarino that ran in the Washington Post on April 18 called “Spirit of Professor Longhair alive at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival,” Quint Davis and Dr. John talk about meeting Fess for the first time, what his music means to New Orleans, and what impact his legacy has had.

The recent “Fesstoration” project to save Fess’ house is also profiled, along with a pair of intriguing film projects that are currently in the works.

According to the article, New Orleans filmmaker Lily Keber, whose credits include the amazing James Booker doc Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker, is currently working on a film about Fess, as is Grant Morris, a screenwriter whose script Tipitina has attracted the attention of none other than Samuel L. Jackson for the title role.

Fess may finally be attracting the type of attention he has long deserved. But what do you think about the potential casting choice? Would Samuel L. Jackson be right for the role?