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Bayou Maharajah explores the life, times and music of piano legend James Booker, who Dr. John described as 'the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.' Lily Keber's roller coaster portrait traces Booker's life from his early years as a chart-topping child prodigy, to his star-studded years touring and playing as a sideman, through his outrageous solo career in America and Europe. First-person narrators lead the viewer through Booker's unbelievable onstage performances, occasionally in his underwear, dishing out drug-fueled conspiracy theories. Featuring interviews with the likes of Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint, together with a generous helping of archival footage, the film brings to life the unforgettable story of this amazing musician. Bayou Maharajah has already won a series of awards, including Best Southern Film (Oxford American), Best Louisiana Feature (New Orleans Film Festival), Jury Mention (New Orleans Film Festival) and Grand Jury Prize (Fairhope Film Festival). Over 54 minutes of DVD extras include interviews with Harry Connick Jr, Ronald Markham, Josh Paxton, Allen Toussaint, George Winston, Dr John, Tom McDermott and Hugh Laurie; Booker in High School and at M+J Studio; Booker in New Orleans, New York and London.
James Booker