The Ivory Emperor 1954-1962 Sides

Known as the Piano Prince of New Orleans, the great James Booker was one of the cornerstones and most colourful characters in the Crescent City. He was a distinctive keyboardist who mixed R&B, gospel, blues, boogie-woogie, and traditional & modern jazz into a uniquely funky and breathtaking sound. This collectors release includes all of the singles Booker made as a leader in the beginning of his career, between 1954 and 1962, for different labels such as Imperial, Chess, Ace, and Peacock. The set also contains additional sides from other terrific artists featuring James Booker as a sideman. These wonderful numbers form the building blocks of Bookers legendary musical legacy. The best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.