Piano Lessons

Level:
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7

Tipitina

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This week irocku digs deep into its vault to bring you one of the most unique and influential piano players of all-time, Professor Longhair. Professor who, you might ask? Read more»

First of all, any cat they nickname 'Professor' is thought to be some kind of genius and in the case of Henry Roeland Byrd, the moniker of 'Professor' is a fitting representation of our featured artist. Born the month after World War I ended, Byrd moved to New Orleans as a youth and hustled dimes dancing on the street corners, teaching himself to play on broken down or discarded pianos with few workable keys. By the time of his death in 1980, the 62 year-old would go from total obscurity to becoming one of the most revered figures in rock and roll history, taking on an almost mythical status. His unique mix of boogie-woogie, samba, calypso, jazz and rhythm and blues was well ahead of its time when Professor Longhair first recorded in 1949, but his influence and style left an indelible imprint on the pioneers of rock and roll like; Fat's Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Elvis.

Rediscovered in the Early 1970's, Byrd would influence another generation of great musicians including; New Orleans' legends, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint. Professor Longhair only left us a handful of recordings and a few electrifying concerts that catapulted him into both the Blues Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. This week’s selection, Tipitina is a Longhair standard that represents not only his revolutionary piano style, but haunting vocals that were part of the total musical package of this true pioneer. Tipitina bounces along in a joyous celebration, the melody is bright and hopeful even though he sings a jealous lover's lament to the woman he loves. It is a classic theme, found in almost every genre of music, and Professor Longhair's, Tipitina, is magical in its expression of both the pain and pleasure of a woman's love.

Professor Longhair's rhythm lines define the New Orleans style, which can be found in every form of rock. You just can't play rock without learning this stuff!

Written by Henry Roeland Byrd
Administered by Don Williams Group
All Rights Reserved Used by Permission

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Lesson, Level 7

Lesson Schedule

Levels 6 and 7: The quickest way to rock is by learning the Groove Chart! To help with improvising, practice the F Major three-octave scale and learn the F Blues scale which can be used to solo over this song's chords. Also learn the F7, Bb7, and C7 chords.

First Week: Beginners practice the Lesson. Intermediate and Advanced students practice the Groove Chart and the Lesson.

Second Week: Add the Exercise and Improvisation to your practice. Tipitina lays down the foundation for more rock songs than any other song. Master this baby!