I had a discussion the other day about the notion of “music photography”. I was trying to explain the impact that Jim Marshall’s photos had on me. I used to gaze at the album covers and read Rolling Stone magazine and, time and time again, I would notice that Jim Marshall’s name was under a great photo.
Anyway, after this conversation, I made a mental note to look up Jim Marshall and maybe do a post. It’s funny, all roads seem to be leading back to Wolfgang’s Vault these days. The Vault has a whole section devoted to Jim Marshall, where you can view photos and buy art prints of them-very cool.
Regarded by many as “THE rock and roll photographer,” Jim Marshall’s career has always been focused on the documentation of people. A son of San Francisco, Marshall’s favorite subjects were musicians, and his 40-years of extraordinary photography include very special shots of Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles Janis Joplin and other stars in the rock music hegemony. Unlimited access to the musicians coupled with an inviolate sense of trust between subject and photographer allowed Marshall special opportunities: he was chief photographer at Woodstock and was the only photographer allowed backstage at the Beatles final concert. Since he demanded total access, Marshall lived 24-7 with his subjects, and his pictures reflect affection for the artists as they describe the musicians’ character. Marshall has said that it’s no accident if his pictures seem musical because, “I see the music.”
Here are a few I have my eye on for the rumpus room.
Mud…
Mingus…
I remember way back seeing this one of Duane Allman…
This shot was taken in the bathroom of the Holiday Inn before Duane, my ex-wife Rebecca, and I ate dinner at my mom’s place – the rest of the band ate in the hotel and got sick.
To me, the soul of the Allman Brothers Band died when Duane passed away. The day he died, I walked the streets of San Francisco for about 14 hours.
He was just one of the guys. He’s been gone over 25 years now, and his music is still as fresh as it was the day he wrote it.
- Jim Marshall
When you are in a hotel room and playing an electric guitar unplugged, to practice or warm up, if you go into the bathroom, you can hear it better. I think it’s great that Marshall was close enough, yet unobtrusive enough to get a shot like that.
Nice stuff.
Recent Comments