Artist:Tuts Washington
Song:On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Album:Modern New Orleans Masters
Pianist Isidore "Tuts" Washington was a legend of New Orleans music and a huge influence on more famous musicians. He was born Jan. 24, 1907 in New Orleans. He taught himself piano and played all over New Orleans. As a recording artist, he had his biggest success with guitarist Smiley Lewis in the late 40s with songs like Tee-Nah-Nah on Imperial Records. That group split in 1953 and Washington moved to St. Louis to join The Tab Smith Orchestra. He returned to New Orleans in the 60s and played at the Ponchartrain Hotel for years. His playing style was a big influence on prominent New Orleans pianists like Allen Toussaint, Roy "Professor Longhair" Byrd & Fats Domino. Washington finally made his solo recording debut for Rounder Records with 1984's New Orlreans Piano Professor and then he died of a heart attack while performing at the New Orleans Worlds Fair on Aug. 5, 1984 at age 77. This is a pretty good Rounder various artists comp featuring artists like Irma Thomas & Walter "Wolfman" Washington. Here's Tuts Washington & Allen Toussaint performing Junker Blues from the documentary Piano Players Rarely Ever Play Together. This is available on DVD from the Louisiana Music Factory at this link
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