New Orleans label also released an album How Long? during 1992, although the recordings originated from around the turn of the decade. A final album Since The Blues Began on Black Top Records appeared in 1995. In recognition of his long career in New Orleans he was supported by established musicians that included George Porter Jr., Raymond Weber and guest guitarist Snooks Eaglin all of whom turned out on his last recorded album. In January 1999 Ridgley received OffBeat magazine's annual Lifetime Achievement Award Ridgley who suffered from kidney failure in his last few years, died from lung cancer, caused by asbestos inhalation whilst working as a construction worker, in August 1999. Discography (L.P.s) 1992 How Long? (Sound of New Orleans) 1992 She Turns Me On (Modern Blues Recordings) 1995 Since The Blues Began (Black Top) Compilations (selected) 1977 Through The Years (Sound of New Orleans) (USA) 1986 Tommy Ridgley: The early 50's in New Orleans (Pathé Marconi) (France) 1988 The New Orleans King of the Stroll (Rounder) (USA) 1992 The Herald Recordings (Collectables) (USA) 2005 Tommy Ridgley 1949-1954 (Classics) (France) 2015 In The Same Old Way: The Complete Ric, Ron and Sho-Biz Recordings (shared with Bobby Mitchell) (Ace) (UK) ''Mardi Gras Jam / Tommy Ridgley & His Orchestra (Blue City) (USA) Notes References External links Tommy Ridgley official website [ Biography on Allmusic] Biography by Marv Goldberg singles discography 1925 births 1999 deaths American rhythm and blues musicians African-American pianists American soul musicians Rhythm and blues musicians from New Orleans Atlantic Records artists Imperial Records artists Singers from Louisiana 20th-century African-American male singers African-American songwriters Deaths from lung cancer Deaths from mesothelioma Deaths from cancer in the United States