Brian McLean

     Brian McLean, age 57 of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022, after suffering a stroke.

     Brian was born in Gonzales, Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago to Albert Philip and Ann McLean. Brian started his education in Trinidad at the Mr. Riley Private school. When Brian was 5 years old, he along with his sister Joanne emigrated to the United States where his mother had established a foothold in Cambridge, MA, where Brian attended the Blessed Sacrament school. When Brian was eleven, the family moved to the Boston neighborhood known as Jamaica Plain or “JP” where Brian attended the William Howard Taft Middle school and then on to Boston Technical High School.

     Brian found his niche for photography during his high school years. He taught himself how to operate an SLR camera. He then took it a step further by turning one of the closets in the house to a dark room where he mastered the art of developing.

     Brian ended up taking most pictures for Boston Tech’s yearbook during his junior and senior year of High School as he was a member of the yearbook staff. After High School, Brian wanted to improve his skills behind the camera and enrolled into the New England School of Photography. Brian was a gifted photographer; he had an eye for taking amazing photos.

     Brian was not just a photographer. He also loved listening to music; mostly rock, and especially Rush. His love for music prompted him to pick up a guitar and again, taught himself how to play it. Music became another passion, and he began writing songs and performing at local open Mic nights. Upon moving to Philadelphia, he connected with many local musicians and started his band “Brave New Blues”. During this time, he also worked sound at several blues clubs, including Warmdaddy’s and Café Classics in Doylestown, connecting with national blues acts along the way. His love of the blues led him to Maine and the North Atlantic Blues Festival where he played for many years at a local club, Time Out Pub, also hosting the Sunday night All Star Jam. In his new hometown Knoxville, he instantly connected with local musicians at the Open Chord.

     Brian was outgoing and curious about all things leading to a lifetime of adventures. His passions were many, including cooking (and perfecting his biscuit recipe). Wherever he went his openness and kindness drew people in, and he leaves behind many close friends in Boston, Philadelphia, Maine, and Knoxville.

     Brian is survived by his wife, Beth; proud dad to two daughters: Caitlin and Juliette; his mother Ann; his sister Joanne; and his brother Albert “Bert” and his wife Caitlin. Nephew of Gloria, Monica, and Errol. As well as many cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Albert.

A celebration of life will be planned for Brian. Date to be determined.