Bayou Maharajah explores the life and music of New Orleans piano legend
James Booker, the man Dr. John described as “the best black, gay,
one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.” A brilliant
pianist, his eccentricities and showmanship belied a life of struggle,
prejudice, and isolation. A wild genius with a style that combined
elements of rhythm-and-blues, jazz, ragtime and classical music, he
gained the nicknames "Piano Prince of New Orleans", "Black Liberace" and
"Bayou Maharajah". Illustrated with never-before-seen concert footage,
rare personal photos and exclusive interviews, the film paints a
portrait of this overlooked genius.