Sadly I have to pass on the news that photographer Brian Smith died a few days ago. I informed everyone on the Blues Photo book mailing list last week but am posting this here for any of his friends who may not have heard. As well as being the source of all the photographs, Brian was actively involved with us (for almost a decade) on the book Boom Boom Boom Boom which came out earlier this year. Much of the text based on personal interviews and also hundreds of emails. These continued until recently, with a batch of his lost Jerry Lee Lewis prints rediscovered only a couple of weeks ago prompting a flurry of memories (a gallery of these will appear here shortly). We shall sorely miss his remarkable recall, humour and friendship. I’m so pleased the book was well received and the accolades accorded his work gave Brian much quiet pleasure.

Our condolences to his wife and family.

Above – Brian in one his amazing collection of ‘meeting the stars’ photos, this time with Bo Diddley backstage.