When Raeburn Flerlage was asked to take a picture of Memphis Slim in 1959, he began a career that would produce some of the most fascinating and important photos ever taken of blues musicians. By shooting concert performances, studio sessions, interviews, and club shows, he became a fixture of the Chicago blues scene during the 1960s and early 70s, and captured some of America’s greatest blues artists at the pinnacle of their careers: Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Spann, James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, Son House, and many more. Here, for the first time, are Raeburn’s greatest photos, reproduced in a beautiful format. From Howlin’ Wolf performing at legendary Pepper’s lounge to Otis Spann and James Cotton playing in Muddy Waters’ basement, these pictures bring to life one of the most incredible periods in American musical history.

Raeburn Flerlage's profile page

Raeburn Flerlage began taking blues photographs in 1959 and is the most recognized and acclaimed chronicler of the Chicago Blues scene. His photos have appeared in numerous blues magazines, including Singout, DownBeat, Living Blues, Rhythm & Blues, and Blues Access; books, such as Urban Blues, Who’s Who in the Blues, Blues Legends, and Portraits of the Blues; and on record covers for labels like Chess, Delmark, Folkways, Prestige, and RCA. His work was featured in the ECW Press publication, Muddy Waters: The Mojo Man.