James Booker - 'True' ᴴᴰ

James Booker performing "True" at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1978. This is an excerpt from the recently released documentary, "Bayou Maharajah," which I would recommend to anyone that has any interest in Booker, or even just piano in general. Just an amazing look into the life and music of a troubled virtuoso.

This is not the full song, there's about 2 minutes missing.

The song was originally written by Louis Cottrell and Don Albert, and recorded by Paul Gayten in 1947. James, as he does with many songs, takes a whole of lot of creative liberties in his interpretation.

Here's a pretty interesting BBC radio piece on this very performance (featuring an interview with Bayou Maharajah director Lily Keber):

If you would like to watch and support the full documentary:

The documentary is now available on Netflix

I claim no ownership over any of these images, all rights reserved to Bayou Maharajah, LLC

[Timthetangent]

I've lost count of how many times I've listened and watched this, but it gets better every single time.

[jimdixon]

For anyone curious about the history of this song by Louis Cottrell, Don Albert, and Lloyd Glenn (which has the actual title "You Don't Love Me"), listen to the recordings of it from 1936, the original by Don Albert and His Orchestra, and another by Frank Tanner & The Rhythm Kings. (All the recordings mentioned here are on youtube as of the time I'm posting this comment.) If you heard these performances without knowing about the James Booker recording, you'd probably never guess the song could be as moving as Booker makes it. The 1947 version by Paul Gayten And His Trio is the performance that Booker and other New Orleans musicians were clearly inspired by (It's also the version where the word "True" was added to the title). Gayten's vocal and tempo are very much in the Charles Brown "uptown blues" idiom. Gayten inspired a 1948 cover by Little Miss Cornshucks and The Blenders, and a 1961 doo wop cover by The Spiders, both of which may have reached Booker's ears as well, but I think its safe to say we have Gayten to thank for making this a song people are still talking about 85 years after it was written. It's not a masterpiece of songwriting, but it's one of those tunes that in the hands of someone like Billie Holliday (or James Booker) can be transformed into a masterpiece.

[argotero]

He play the piano like a harp, incredible ending of the song, his singing in a blues and soul way, and very unique accent with a suit touch of Indian and black from New Orleans…

[als]

What a guy, what out of this world abilities he had. In newer generation, luca sestak and victor demange do some justice to playing piano, and yet, no one comes close to the legend.

[BlueNJazzy]

I just love the way he plays the keys. Three keys is my favorite.

[josephkelly]

This is the greatest performance I have watched. I suspect I will see none better in my life. No words.

[MicahlanBoney]

This song is unspeakably sad in so many wonderful ways.

[bigeman]

This full song done by Booker has to be one of the all-time great performances ever.

[nadashame]

I watched bayou maharaja and I was deeply moved by his music as well as his life story.

[timterrible]

I wonder so many things about his motivation for this song. It seems to come from the most painful depths and reaches of his heart. I feel like he wrote it so well I know exactly what it’s about, but don’t want to ruin the surprise for everyone else, and then, I also feel like I am left with so many questions, that he didn’t want anyone to ruin the surprise for me either! Thank you so much for this song James!

[talbotadams]

This is so beautiful. My favorite song at the moment. It makes me cry every time I watch it that it almost feels masochistic watching it over and over like I do. Just a masterful piano performance with so much emotion conveyed in the vocals.

[cbnola]

How could anyone thumbs down this genre bending masterpiece?

[marioalejandrosuarezarcila]

this is just my favourite video on youtube....Greetings from Cali colombia. Land of colours and THE BLUES.

[BrandtArt]

Was just introduced to Booker's music tonight after watching the Netflix documentary on him. What an incredibly gifted talent he had. Primal like the winds.

[MammaBullie]

OMG !!! This guy just blew me away with his voice, style, soul and the runs he plays that then segue into the next ones !! I am so thankful to have just happened onto this clip. What an amazing moment !! I believe everything he says !!!! <

[christopherwold]

How can you 'thumbs down' this amazing song and performance? If you sit and listen to this in a true way, it will bring tears. James Booker was a genius in a class of his own.

[greenremi]

OH MY GOD ! It is the most beautiful musical performance that I have seen on the internet !!

[DeniseLaFranceCDNpainter]

The blues played in some so real and true it hurts. Beautiful beautiful and sincere. That's James Parker.

[TheLemon]

How do you not get a tear from hearing this, I won't understand.

[FrenchieMoe]

thanks for those comments, y all make me see I'm not the only one to feel that way listening to BOOKER. the man had SO MUCH SOUL. and yes it makes me feel like crying too