Raeburn "Ray" Flerlage passed away on Saturday morning, September 28, after a brief illness. He was 87.
Flerlage is best known as a photographer of blues performers. He was most active as a photographer between 1959 and 1972. Working exclusively in Chicago, he shot many of the top blues, jazz and folk performers of that era. A book of his images, Chicago Blues As Seen From The Inside, was published in 2000 and received the 2001 "Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Achievement in Photography" from the Blues Foundation.
In addition to photography, Flerlage was a writer, lecturer, disc jockey and record wholesaler. In the forties he served as Midwest Executive Secretary for People's Songs, a national organization that used folk music to promote various social causes. In that capacity he worked with Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Josh White, Big Bill Broonzy and others. He learned photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and at the Institute of Design, where he studied with Harry Callahan.
Flerlage's blues photographs include some of the most famous pictures ever taken of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Memphis Slim, Big Joe Williams, James Cotton, Junior Wells and many others. They have graced numerous books, films, magazines and record jackets. Flerlage was active until his recent illness, providing images from his vast collection to producers and editors all over the world.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Flerlage moved to Chicago in 1944. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Luise; six children -- daughters Kristin, Karen, Linda and Ty; and sons William and Anthony -- twenty-five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and by many loving family, friends and associates.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 5, at 11:00AM, at Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago. (773) 723-4400. Viewing will be from 10:00AM - 11:00AM. A repast will follow the service.