Laurie is a long-time fan, having used Fess's "Go to the Mardi Gras" as the theme for the pilot episode of A Bit of Fry & Laurie.
The name is taken from the classic New Orleans piano tune, "Tipitina", written by Professor Longhair.
professor | Professor | The Nutty Professor | Professor Moriarty | Professor Green | The Nutty Professor (1996 film) | The Absent-Minded Professor | Quain Professor | Large Professor | Regius Professor of Physic | Professor Longhair | Nutty Professor II: The Klumps | Professor X | Professor of Mathematics, Glasgow | National University of Singapore University Professor | Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs | Andrea Romano (professor) | Woodwardian Professor of Geology | Whewell Professor of International Law | Walter Raleigh (professor) | Vinerian Professor of English Law | The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether | Sterling Professor | Sir Herbert Thompson Professor of Egyptology | Regius Professor of Physic (Cambridge) | Regius Professor of Divinity | Professor (film) | Professor Calculus | Professor Beware | Pitt Professor of American History and Institutions |
When he was young he attended live performances of Otis Spann, Professor Longhair, Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Seeger, Joshua Rifkin and Josh White, among others.
Under the old name of "Shakespere Park" (originally commemorating New Orleans mayor Joseph A. Shakspeare) it is mentioned in the lyrics of Professor Longhair and Papa Celestin.