The music of New Orleans is renowned throughout the country and possibly even the world, which is why it is no surprise that a native of this cultural mecca, such as Smith, would be enamored by the incredible jazz sensation. Smith is known as an amazing award-winning freelance photographer, who prides himself on
capturing the beauty and spirit within the New Orleans jazz culture. He also
became intrigued with the New Orleans street culture, especially the second line parades and jazz funerals.
Michael P. Smith has worked as a staff photographer for the William Ransom Hogan Jazz Archives at Tulane University and cofounded the Tipitina's
nightclub. He is currently the assistant director of the Professor Longhair
Foundation, at which he is assisting the preservation of the memory of Roeland
Byrd and his contribution to New Orleans music.
Some of his work can be found on display throughout the country. It has been widely collected and remains as a permanent collection within the Smithsonian, Bibliotheque National in Paris, France, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Historic New Orlenas Collection, as well as other important archives. Michael P. Smith has also been awarded two photographer's fellowships from the National Endowment of Arts. He has written several books,
including Jazz Fest Memories, Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans Jazz Fest: A Pictoral History, Spirit World: Pattern in the Expressive Folk Culture of African-American New Orleans, and A Joyful Noise: A Celebration of New
Orleans Music, all available at Pelican. |