Professor Longhair (1918–1980)

US blues musician. As a pianist and singer, he was an innovator of post-war New Orleans rhythm-and-blues. In 1949, he made several recordings in his prototypical style, but performed only sporadically for the next two decades. In 1971 his appearances at major festivals in New York and New Orleans led to a renewal of touring and recording activity.

He was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana. He worked as a stuntman, dancer, boxer, and gambler until he formed his first band in 1947.