About

New Orleans is one of the most important cities for the development of US American music culture. Its jazz, rhythm & blues, and other genres have influenced generations all over the world. Today, it is still a place with an exceptional spirit for life, an ongoing sense of celebration that is deeply rooted in its unique tradition and culture.

This exhibition features the photography of award winning artist Michael P. Smith, a.o., film and sound clips, and original objects that tell the story of New Orleans’ unique culture and history.

The Photography

Michael P. Smith (1937–2008), a New Orleans native and award-winning professional freelance photographer, spent a lifetime capturing the music, culture and folklife of New Orleans and Louisiana. He was well known for documenting New Orleans social club parades and jazz funerals, neighborhood Mardi Gras traditions, spiritual church ceremonies, and many of the city and state’s renowned jazz, blues rhythm and blues, and gospel musicians. Smith photographed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival from its inception in 1970 until 2004.

©The Historic New Orleans Collection