Dick Waterman, Revered Blues Promoter and Photographer, Passes Away at 88

Waterman's legacy as a pivotal figure in the revival and promotion of blues music is celebrated following his death from congestive heart failure.

Dick Waterman, a key figure in the blues music scene, died at 88 in an assisted-living center in Oxford, Miss., due to congestive heart failure.
Waterman was instrumental in the careers of blues legends like Son House and Mississippi John Hurt, and managed artists such as Bonnie Raitt.
He founded Avalon Productions, the first blues-only booking agency, and was known for his intimate and poignant photography of blues musicians.
Waterman's efforts helped bring overlooked blues artists to wider audiences, influencing generations of musicians from Bob Dylan to the Rolling Stones.
He was one of the first non-performers inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2000, recognizing his contributions to the genre.