James Booker
#138,852 Most Popular
About
New Orleans-born musician who combined rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, stride, and Latin. He also mastered classical music, such as Bach and Chopin.
Before Fame
He scored a recording deal in 1954 with Imperial, laying down Thinkin' 'Bout My Baby and Doin' the Hambone, as well as participating in session work with Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, and Lloyd Price.
Trivia
He was the organist for Dr. John's Bonnaroo Revue in 1974.
Family Life
He was born into a family of Baptist ministers with his father and grandfather being preachers as well as piano players.
Associated With
He greatly impressed Arthur Rubinstein with his musicality after performing for Rubinstein in 1958 following one of the pianist's concerts.
