Professor Longhair, Rugged & Funky

Professor Longhair, Rugged and Funky dives into the life of unsung musical genius Professor Longhair. Known as the "Originator of Funk and  Rock & Roll" and "The Bach of Rock", Professor Longhair like so many other black musicians of his time, and still today, never got his due. The film not only honors his musical prowess and playful personality, but paints a picture of his life in New Orleans through the unseen final interviews of late musical greats like Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Henry Butler, and Robert "Barefootin" Parker.

"Bagnall keeps the film lean and fast-paced without sacrificing its intimate, conversational tone. The most emotionally impactful moments belong to Byrd’s daughter, Pat, whose gaze practically burns a hole in the screen." - Chris Jay