James C. Booker (In History) - December 17, 1939 - November 8, 1983

James Booker was an amazing Jazz and Blues pianist. At the age of 6 James had already begun to play classical music as well as learning other styles. At 14, Booker was the youngest artist to record for Imperial Records. At an early age James started abusing drugs, which eventually led to his death later on. His undeniable musical genius caused many promoters to book him despite his drug addiction and unreliable performances. His playing was highly improvisational, reinventing progressions (usually his own) so that a single piece would evolve into a medley of itself. In spite of his personal eccentricities, Booker had the respect of New Orleans' best musicians, and elements of his influence are still very apparent in the playing of some of today's well-known pianist's.

Sites referencing James Booker:
http://www.cascadeblues.org/History/JamesBooker.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_C._Booker_III
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/booker_james/bio.jhtml