The pianist Isidore “Tuts” Washington, a long-standing staple of New Orleans’ blues and boogie woogie scene, was an important influence on many other Crescent City players including Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, and Professor Longhair. Born January 24, 1907 in New Orleans, Washington began learning piano at age ten. He was inspired by Joseph Louis “Red”, a New Orleans musician, and quickly developed his own songs after memorizing the performances of area brass bands. Washington, also known as “Papa Yellow”, was a prodigy and was well-known for his ability to play the piano. He was also known as the “Papa Yellow”, and was a regular member of prominent Dixieland and Society bands. His style was a mix of jazz, blues and ragtime and, although he primarily relied on instrumentals, he occasionally pulled out a witty vocal number. Washington’s greatest success was in the company and with Smiley Lewis (guitarist, singer), during the late 1940s. They also cut some of the iconic New Orleans R.
