An iconic music photographer has snapped his last

We are sad to learn of the death of David Redfern, maker of hundreds of iconic musician photographs and creator of a thriving archive.

David, who was 78 and battling pancreatic cancer, had gone to his place in France to cover a jazz festival. He was passionate about jazz above all other musical forms, and vastly knowledgeable. Starting with Kenny Ball and Chris Barber at Ronnie Scott’s club in the 1960s, he worked up to Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and more. In 2008, he sold his archive and his business to Getty.

In contrast to many artform specialists, David was curious and respectful about every kind of music. Although there were areas where he and we competed, he always offered a friendly greeting and a raised glass. He was never happier than in the company of fellow-enthusiasts, remembering the nights when music was young.