The flamboyant James Booker had a serious heroin addiction that landed him a prison term and an eyepatch (his eye was knocked out in a fight). Otherwise, he would probably hold his rightful place atop the pantheon of New Orleans piano greats. This rare footage of Booker performing the ballad "Let Them Talk" showcases his distinctive piano playing style: a mesmerizing blend of classical, jazz, boogie woogie, stride and pop that complements rather than overwhelms the lyric. An underrated vocalist, Booker compensates for his lack of range by offering a spine-tingling emotion.
This article appears in Nov 21-27, 2007.