Details
Bayou Maharajah explores the life, times and music of piano legend James Booker, described by Dr. John as, "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced."
★★★★ “… outrageous individual whose towering musical talent never stood a chance against his rampaging personal demons.” – Tom Huddleston, Time Out
★★★★★ “…ecstatic, sorrowful, beautiful, pained, full of anger, joy and something otherworldly” – Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman
This roller coaster of a film traces Booker’s life from his early years as a chart-topping child prodigy and star-studded years playing as a sideman, through to his outrageous solo career in America and Europe. Interviews with his closest friends lead us through Booker’s unbelievable onstage performances, occasionally in his underwear, dishing out drug-fuelled 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.