Professor Longhair

Henry Roeland "Roy" Byrd, known as Professor Longhair (1918-80) was a New Orleans legend, pioneering a new style of piano playing and influencing musicians like Allen Toussaint and Dr John.  I remember seeing him on TV at some point in the 1970s.  Here he is performing Tipitina.

 

You can also listen and watch Toussaint and Dr John explaining his influence on them, as well as watching him performing during the last part of the Dr John video.  Good stuff.