Professor “Fess” Longhair remains one of the most recognizable piano talents to come out of Louisiana, often called the Father of New Orleans R&B. His funky, rumba-based piano style and unique singing voice livened up nightclubs and festivals spanning four decades until his passing in 1980.

Professor Longhair lived at 1738 Terpsichore Street in New Orleans, and since his death, the home has fallen into grave disrepair. Under the supervision of Rick Fifield Architect the intent was to restore the building to the condition it was in when it was originally purchased. Using three archival photos by New Orleans cultural and ethnographic photographer Michael P. Smith, courtesy of the Historic New Orleans Collection, it was possible to bring the building to the condition it was in in 1979 When Fess purchased the house. Though the photos were never intended as architectural photographs they were able to yield enough detail and through analyzing the details that remained it as possible to make an accurate restoration. The commercial space below, formerly a neighborhood snack shop, has been converted into a three-room exhibition space for the Tipitina’s collection of Professor Longhair memorabilia.