Deemed the most revealing exploration of New Orleans and the musical culture of its African-American and Creole community, A Joyful Noise combines the visual artistry of Smith’s black and white photography with his thorough knowledge of this fascinating subject. Through Alan Govenar’s interviews with seven captivating individuals, readers get a look into several traditions of the city. This work takes readers into unparalleled events, from jazz funerals to Mardi Gras Indian tribe demonstrations to the black spiritual churches.

 

From the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to Mardi Gras Day to Super Sunday to any Sunday, Michael P. Smith’s lens captures musical celebrations found nowhere else. International superstars Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Stevie Wonder join with Louisiana legends Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, the Meters, and Professor Longhair in the gallery of memorable moments that illustrate this work. As both a study on the roots of these musical traditions and a collection of stunning photographs of the community’s heritage, A Joyful Noise will appeal to anyone with even the most remote interest in Louisiana music and culture.

 

Michael P. Smith was a native of New Orleans and an award-winning professional freelance photographer. His work has been presented in the National Museum of American History, the Bibliothéque Nationale de France in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Historic New Orleans Collection. He wrote several books, including Jazz Fest Memories, Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans Jazz Fest: A Pictorial History, and Spirit World: Pattern in the Expressive Folk Culture of African-American New Orleans, all published by Pelican.