James Booker was an American musician and singer (1939-1983). He blended jazz, blues, soul, gospel, and boogie-woogie, epitomizing New Orleans music. Booker was a master of boogie-woogie stride piano, making solo records and being much in demand as a sideman. He released albums including Junco Partner, King of the New Orleans Keyboard, and The Lost Paramount Tapes. His most popular songs include African Gumbo and Make a Better World.