Background

Michael P. Smith was born on June 15, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

Education

Michael Smith was educated at Metairie Park Country Day School, where he was a star athlete. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English (1968) and did graduate studies (1968-1970) at Tulane University, New Orleans.

Career

In 1969 Michael Smith covered the jazz funeral of the drummer Paul Barbarin - this event, he said, inspired him to focus on documenting black New Orleans culture. From then on until his retirement in 2004, Michael Smith dedicated his life to photographing the music, funerals, parades, clubs, churches, bars, brothels, and festivals of the city's working-class black communities. Since 1974 he has been a staff photographer for Black Star Publishing Company.

Although Michael Smith focused on black New Orleans, he undertook all manner of commercial photography to help pay the bills. In 1977 he was a co-founder of Tipitina's, a now-legendary New Orleans music venue.

Michael Smith published five books including A Joyful Noise: A Celebration of New Orleans Music (1990), New Orleans Jazz Fest: A Pictorial History (1991), and Mardi Gras Indians (1994).

Works

More photos

• photography

  • "Uncle" Lionel Batiste leading funeral parade for Jimmy "The Hawk" Richardson, Treme, New Orleans

    1983

  • "Deacon John" Moore

    1972

  • "Gate" Johnson funeral (Wild Magnolia's)

    1983

  • "Gatemouth" Brown, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

    1976

  • "Healing hands" Bishop H. Brooks visiting Infant Jesus of Prague Spiritual Church

    1975

  • Rockin Doopsie

    1983

  • St. Catherine

    1969

  • "Valley of Silent Men" parade at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

    1988

  • 2 1/4 Monk Golden Eagles

    1978

  • Aaron Neville at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

    1977

Connections

Michael Smith had two daughters, Jan and Leslie.

Daughter:

Jan

Daughter:

Leslie