Jazz Fest 1999

Professor Longhair
by George Dureau

Note: George Dureau, New Orleans' 20th Century Degas, passed away in 2014. The Signed, ReMarque, C-Marque & Proof editions are all signed by him.

Twenty-fifth in the series. New Orleans master draftsman George Dureau, working in the tradition of Degas, turned his eye to a finger-snapping portrait of the root of New Orleans rhythm and blues: The legendary Henry Roeland Byrd, better known as Professor Longhair, or 'Fess. 'Fess influenced every New Orleans R&B piano player of note. He played the early Festivals until his death in 1980 and is the only musician to have Festival stage named for him. He won a posthumous Grammy in 1987 as Best Traditional Blues Artist for recordings produced in 1972 by Festival Producer Quint Davis. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. 

Editions:

Poster originally sold for $49 (Unsigned), $195 (Artist-Signed), $495 (Special)
Poster and specifications may vary slightly.
Image ©1999 NOJ&HF, Inc / Text © 1999 ProCreations Publishing Company