Movie

Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

★ 7.1/10 · 9 votes 2013 1h 30m Released

DocumentaryMusic

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. Illustrated with never-before-seen concert footage, rare personal photos and exclusive interviews, the film paints a portrait of this overlooked genius.

Cast

James Booker Self (archive footage) Dr. John Self (archive footage) Hugh Laurie Self Harry Connick Jr. Self Charles Neville Self Douglas Brinkley Self