I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of legendary concert photographer Jim Marshall this week, who was found dead in a New York hotel room on March 24th at age 74.
Marshall's typically black & white documentary-style photos are some of the most iconic images in rock and roll; his exceptional eye managed to catch some of music's biggest names in the most intimate situations.
Whenever anyone asks me how I got the photographs I did, why I was often the only photographer present or got such unique access I reply simply, ‘Trust.’
— Jim Marshall
Much has already been written about Marshall's death (see here, here, here, and here), so I'll just leave you with a gallery of some of my favorite Jim Marshall photos. They say a picture's worth a thousand words, but I think some of these are worth well more than that.
Rest in peace Jim. Your legacy in photos will live forever.
Cash Flipping The Bird || 1969
Garcia Backstage at Woodstock || 1969
I said to him, Johnny, let's do a shot for the warden. I guess flipping the bird was his natural response.
— Jim Marshall
Jim Morrison Smoking || 1968
Hendrix at the Drums || 1967
Dylan Press Conference || 1965
I consider what I do with the person I shoot a covenant. They present themselves to me, and I treat them with dignity. I refuse to violate that trust.
— Jim Marshall
Janis Backstage with Southern Comfort || 1968
Mick Backstage || 1972
Hey, that's a great shot because it's how it is sometimes. Lousy.
— Janis Joplin
Beatles Walking to Candlestick Stage || 1966
Dylan Kicking a Tire || 1963
He was quick and relentless, wading in with his quiet little Leica and capturing the essence of the person and the moment.
— Henry Diltz, Morrison Hotel Gallery
“Let’s Piss On Him” || 1967
Jefferson Airplane Fisheye Shot || 1967
I have no kids. My photographs are my children.
— Jim Marshall
Jimi Immolating Strat || 1967
The Who in Concert || 1971
P.S. If you like these photos, you'll love Jim's book, Trust: Photographs of Jim Marshall, which is an amazing work of art in and of itself. It's over 160 pages of photos and the stories behind them, including plenty of well-known images and many that are less well-known but no less fantastic.
Personally I paid extra for a signed copy, but you can buy Trust on Amazon for about $25. It's well worth it.
All images © Jim Marshall.
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I loved Marshall’s work so much! He used to say “My photographs are my children!” (he had no children)... I really hope they won’t be forgotten!
P.I.P.