In the early 1970’s, in order to jump start my photography career, I thought to point my camera at a subject matter that I could have to myself and more importantly, one that I was passionate about. Since I knew the music well, I thought it was important to let people actually see the musicians behind the sound.
I had seen too many high contrast pictures of black musicians with shiny horns sticking out of their faces. I would go to concerts, know their music but not know what my heroes looked like even though I had seen many silhouettes of them. To solve that for several years I chased the performers whose music I enjoyed.
I had no funds to elaborate so I talked my way into the back doors of clubs and concert halls. Most of the musicians would respond to my request by stating that I was welcome to take as many pictures as I would like while they were performing, but this was exactly what I was trying to avoid. I wished to capture the musicians outside of the typical club scene. I wanted more intimacy in my portraits. I wanted to capture the true essence of these legends. I photographed in hotel rooms, on the street, backstage, wherever I could. Only a few turned down my elaborate spiel.
Once done, I tried to show anybody and everybody my efforts but nobody seemed to care. I find it very ironic that there is renewed interest now that many of the luminaries are dead.
Someone once told me that music is the closest thing to heaven. If that is so, this is my offering.
