Me Got Fiyo: The Professor Longhair Centennial

Henry Roeland Byrd was born in Bogalusa in late December of 1918, but would come to be known as the legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair, also known as Fess. His many contributions to New Orleans music, including the famed Tchopitoulas Street venue Tipitina's which was built for him to perform, are immeasurable. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Capitol Park Museum are hosting an exhibition honoring Byrd's colorful life and musical legacy titled Me Got Fiyo: The Professor Longhair Centennial. It traces Professor Longhair's childhood and youth including the releases fo his early hits like “Tipitina” and “Mardi Gras in New Orleans", then depicts his grand 1970s return, his unexpected death, and the continuation of his legacy. There will be a sneak preview and opening reception sponsored by Friends of the Capitol Park on April 14 from 5 pm–7 pm which is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. 

The museum will host a variety of programs in conjunction with the exhibition, including a “Women in the Blues” panel discussion on April 21 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, sponsored by the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation. The event is part of the museum’s “Third Thursday After Hours” series and presented in tandem with the Dialogue on Race Louisiana. 

Museum admission is $7 for adults; $6 for students with I.D., senior citizens, and members of the military. School groups with reservations and children six and under are admitted free. Located at 660 North Fourth Street in Baton Rouge, the Museum resides directly across from the State Capitol.  louisianastatemuseum.org. For membership information visit capitolparkfriends.org. 

[Read our article from 2018 about how Professor Longhair got his second chance at stardom in the 1970s here.]

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