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At 1738–40 Terpsichore Street stands the former home of Henry Roeland Byrd, known as Professor Longhair. A City of New Orleans landmark report says Byrd and his wife Alice purchased the building in 1979, after decades of work as a pianist, singer, and songwriter. He died the following year. The city designated the residence for its cultural significance, and a historical marker commemorates his influence on New Orleans rhythm and blues. This house belongs to the closing chapter of his life; his distinctive rumba-boogie style and classic recordings predate his ownership of it.
Quick facts
- ·Henry Roeland Byrd — Professor Longhair — was born in 1918.
- ·He lived most of his life in a modest Uptown house at 1738 Terpsichore Street.
- ·He invented the New Orleans R&B piano style: rolling rumba left hand, blues right hand.
- ·Dr. John and Allen Toussaint both learned directly from him.
- ·Visitor tip: the house is a private residence with a historic marker out front — view from the sidewalk only.
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5 historical photographs.
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Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.