Brian Smith, a man of unassuming stature but boundless enthusiasm for the blues, left us recently at the age of 82. His contribution to the British blues scene in the 1960s cannot be overstated, as his photographs of legendary American artists adorned album sleeves and magazine covers, giving generations of music lovers their first glimpse into the world of this revered genre.
Smith's fascination with the blues was sparked by a young man he met at a Chris Barber gig in Manchester Free Trade Hall in 1954. The encounter with Lonnie Donegan's skiffle group had a profound impact on Smith, who would go on to become an ardent fan and later, one of the most sought-after photographers of his time.
At just 17, Smith left school to start working for the Inland Revenue, a career he'd continue for over four decades. However, it was not until he picked up his camera that he discovered his true calling. The American Folk Blues festival in Manchester's Free Trade Hall in 1962 proved to be a pivotal moment, with Smith capturing iconic images of T Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, and Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee.
Over the next decade, Smith's camera would become an extension of himself, as he documented countless performances by some of the most influential blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll artists of the time. His work with these legendary musicians yielded a treasure trove of images that would be cherished for decades to come.
Smith's impact on the music industry extended far beyond his camera lens. He played an instrumental role in setting up R&B Scene magazine and cultivating promoters and club owners, often securing interviews and backstage passes that saved him – and countless others – from paying full price at live shows. This insider knowledge allowed Smith to share intimate stories of these artists with the world.
In recent years, Smith's photographs were rediscovered by US and UK record companies, who sought his expertise in authenticating images for reissue programs and archival releases. The 16-disc box set featuring Chuck Berry's work is a testament to his dedication to preserving music history through his lens.
A man of few words but boundless passion, Brian Smith left behind an indelible mark on the world of blues photography. His book, Boom Boom, Boom, Boom – American Rhythm & Blues In England 1962–1966, serves as a poignant tribute to his extraordinary life and work.
Smith's fascination with the blues was sparked by a young man he met at a Chris Barber gig in Manchester Free Trade Hall in 1954. The encounter with Lonnie Donegan's skiffle group had a profound impact on Smith, who would go on to become an ardent fan and later, one of the most sought-after photographers of his time.
At just 17, Smith left school to start working for the Inland Revenue, a career he'd continue for over four decades. However, it was not until he picked up his camera that he discovered his true calling. The American Folk Blues festival in Manchester's Free Trade Hall in 1962 proved to be a pivotal moment, with Smith capturing iconic images of T Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, and Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee.
Over the next decade, Smith's camera would become an extension of himself, as he documented countless performances by some of the most influential blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll artists of the time. His work with these legendary musicians yielded a treasure trove of images that would be cherished for decades to come.
Smith's impact on the music industry extended far beyond his camera lens. He played an instrumental role in setting up R&B Scene magazine and cultivating promoters and club owners, often securing interviews and backstage passes that saved him – and countless others – from paying full price at live shows. This insider knowledge allowed Smith to share intimate stories of these artists with the world.
In recent years, Smith's photographs were rediscovered by US and UK record companies, who sought his expertise in authenticating images for reissue programs and archival releases. The 16-disc box set featuring Chuck Berry's work is a testament to his dedication to preserving music history through his lens.
A man of few words but boundless passion, Brian Smith left behind an indelible mark on the world of blues photography. His book, Boom Boom, Boom, Boom – American Rhythm & Blues In England 1962–1966, serves as a poignant tribute to his extraordinary life and work.
just read about Brian Smith 
he was like a behind-the-scenes superhero for blues photography 
his pics on album sleeves and mags were everything 
i wish more ppl knew about him 
16-disc box set of Chuck Berry's pics tho is pure magic 
& his book Boom Boom, Boom, Boom – American Rhythm & Blues In England 1962–1966 sounds like a must-read for music lovers 
gonna have to add it to my list 
. And can we talk about how lucky we are to have seen all those iconic photos of blues legends through his lens? But, on the other hand, isn't it wild that someone who was so good at taking pictures had a whole other career in tax returns and stuff? 
! I mean, who wouldn't wanna be the one behind the lens for legends like T-Bone Walker? 
The dude was a true original, left school at 17 to work for the Inland Revenue... talk about a bluesy career path 
. But seriously, his pics are worth more than all that money he saved from not payin' full price for shows 
. Smith's legacy is stillBoom Boom, Boom, Boom-ing in our hearts 
. Rest in peace, Blues Brian 
i remember reading about him and being amazed by the pics of all those blues legends... t bone walker, john lee hooker, sonny terry & brownie mcgee - what incredible stories must've been behind each photo 
he was more than just a photographer, though - he got to hang out with the artists and even helped make some shows happen for others 
sounds like he lived a pretty awesome life 
just heard about Brian Smith's passing at 82... what an incredible legacy he leaves behind! 
I mean, can you imagine trading in your camera lens for a calculator? 
. I mean, the guy was just a regular bloke who got into photography by chance, but ended up capturing some of the most iconic blues images ever 
I'm so glad he left behind a legacy in his book, Boom Boom, Boom... it's like getting a glimpse into another era 
. Anyway, what's your favorite blues memory or story from reading about Brian Smith's life? 
in the 60s... who knew that leaving school at 17 to start working for the Inland Revenue would be a setup for a lifetime of photography genius? 
also can't believe how many legendary artists he photographed - T Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker... the list goes on 
Anyway, it's sad to see him go at 82, but his work lives on for sure. I mean, that box set of Chuck Berry pics is no joke 
... gotta respect the dude's dedication to preserving music history through his lens 
His impact goes way beyond his camera work tho, he literally helped make the blues accessible 2 whole generations of music fans 
. anyhoo, it's wild how much his work impacted the blues scene & i love that he was able to share those behind-the-scenes stories with us through interviews 