Roosevelt Sykes

Roosevelt Sykes was one of the most prolific and influential blues pianists of the twentieth century, known as 'The Honeydripper' for his smooth, rolling barrelhouse style. He began recording in 1929 and continued for over five decades, amassing one of the largest discographies in blues history under his own name and numerous pseudonyms including Dobby Bragg and Easy Papa Johnson. His composition '44 Blues' became one of the most covered songs in blues history. Based variously in St. Louis, Chicago, and later New Orleans, Sykes served as a session pianist, talent scout, and musical director, and his rolling, boogie-woogie-inflected piano style influenced virtually every subsequent blues pianist. He was a fixture of the European blues festival circuit in the 1960s and 1970s and continued performing until his death in 1983.