Professor Longhair

irocku / March 20, 2020

IROCKU Featured Lesson- “Tipitina” by Professor Longhair

This week's lesson is one of New Orlean's most iconic songs, "Tipitina” by Professor Longhair. "Tipitina" piano lesson “Tipitina” is a simple 8-bar blues progression but it highlights three elements that uniquely define New Orleans piano style. The left-hand pattern uses a traditional syncopated blues, boogie woogie New Orleans bass line while the right hand melody is a repeated pattern based on the New Orleans piano flourish that we commonly hear in Dr. John, Fats Domino, and Huey Piano Smith’s melodies. The New Orleans style is rounded out with a turn-around and ending that is distinctly different than the go to turn-around that every blues performer plays. Our Lesson addresses all three of these New Orleans piano elements with the Improvisation driving home the New Orleans …

irocku / June 7, 2019

Rest in Peace “Mac”(aka Dr. John)

I met “Mac” ( aka Dr John) in 2010 after one of his gigs at SUNY Purchase, NY. During the intermission Mac’s drummer, Roscoe (Herman Ernest III) was meandering through the crowd striking up conversations with whoever was within his reach. Roscoe was a charming guy and a fireball of charisma. Roscoe asked if my wife and I were enjoying the show and then asked if I was a musician. “Not really, but I am teaching myself how to play rock piano”… when my wife chimed in with “and he’s writing a book about it”. Well, that was all Roscoe needed to hear. Roscoe dragged us back stage to meet with Mac. In a language that I barely understood Mac said “ guy (that was me!) dat’s a great idea. Lezz do dis ding”. And that was how IROCKU got started. That was also one of the last shows that Roscoe performed …

irocku / March 25, 2019

Professor Longhair Piano Lesson – “Hey Now Baby”

The IROCKU feature lesson is "Hey Now Baby" by Professor Longhair. Click below for the lesson and sheet music. "Hey Now Baby" piano lesson Recorded sometime between 1949-1953, “Hey Now Baby” was eventually released in 1972 on the album, 'New Orleans Piano' by Professor Longhair. Another version of the song was released earlier by The Meters in 1971 under the name “Cabbage Alley” with Art Neville taking writer’s credit. We’re not sure why! The songs are virtually identical. Nevertheless it is an awesome version. When the Meters or the Nevilles perform the song live now, they do give credit to Professor Longhair. Professor Longhair’s playing is a cornerstone of rock piano. If you want to play Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, or Little Richard, learn how to play the techniques of …

rocknthe88s / October 24, 2018

The Anatomy of a Bass Line – Piano Lesson: “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu”

There aren’t a lot songs that have been covered by as many different artists representing such a variety of musical genres as “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu”. It’s easy to lose sight that this song was originally recorded over 60 years ago, back in 1957, by the little known piano great, Huey ‘Piano’ Smith. Huey ‘Piano’ Smith was born in New Orleans, Lousiana and was influenced by both the boogie woogie stylists and the other great New Orleans’ piano players of his era; namely Professor Longhair and Fats Domino. Huey ‘Piano’ Smith’s version of “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu” is a fusion of a boogie woogie bounce and a New Orleans syncopated melody line. It has become a New Orleans anthem and has made it to the list of Top Rock Piano Songs of all …

irocku / July 17, 2017

Greatest Rock Piano Players

Our poll has reached over 150K viewers and Elton John and Jerry Lee Lewis are at the top of the list. No surprises there!!! The list below includes 150 of the top rock piano players along with the songs that made them famous. Who is your favorite rock piano player? Please comment below and let us know who your favorite is. Keep rockin! Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Join Now and SAVE!!! The list has been growing daily. Here's our list with the top artists and their most popular songs. Come back and visit as this list will keep changing as the votes come in: Keyboardist Top Keyboard Song Elton John Tiny …

irocku / June 22, 2017

Top rock piano songs and performances

At IROCKU we have over 100k enthusiastic rock piano fans throughout the world who have voted for their favorite rock piano songs. Here are the top songs and keyboardists according to our ongoing poll. All the obvious rock piano songs appear on the list, "Great Balls of Fire", "Jessica", "Piano Man", etc, but there are also many hidden gems like,"Edward and the Mad Shirt Grinder","Alladin Sane" and more. Come back and visit as this list will keep changing as the votes come in. What is your favorite rock piano song or performance? Please comment below. Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Beginners thru Advanced. Learn rhythm, groove and …

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Professor Longhair