Who Shot Rock & Roll

I finally made it to the Who Shot Rock & Roll photography exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum this weekend, and it was top-notch. It was really extensive, and the shots ranged from intimate to center-stage, before they were stars to super-stardom. Much overdue recognition was given to the photographers whose contributions go hand-in-hand with the music itself. I highly recommend checking it out before it closes January 31!

Unfortunately photography was not allowed inside the exhibit so I can't share some of my favorites, but here are some peeks I found via the internet. (Image above by: paulodimas)

Madonna shot by Maripol, 1983. “The picture is talking in a way. It’s saying ‘Look who I am. I’m not famous but I’m going to be.’" -Maripol.

(Left) The iconic Mick Jagger shot in 1982 by Michael Putland. (Right) This shot of Bjork by Laura Levine in 1991 is simply to die for. From the photographer: "I picked out a couple of oversized leaves (a la Eve in the Garden of Eden) and she stepped onto a large boulder. At that moment it started to drizzle, she stood on tippy-toe and opened her mouth to catch a raindrop on her tongue. Click...No makeup artists, no stylists, no trendy fashions, no managers, no publicists, no record label politics, no artificial lighting, no gimmicks, no self-consciousness. Just natural light, some foliage, and Bjork."

The Ramones by Ian Dickson, 1977. The crowd + musicians make the spectacle.

Amy Winehouse shot by Max Vadukul, 2007. Winehouse adopts the 1960's hairstyle and makeup and makes it totally bad girl.

Bow Wow Wow shot by Andy Earl, 1981. The band puts their spin on Manet's painting, Luncheon on the Grass, spurring controversy over the underage Annabella Lwin (only 14!) posing nude.

Bob Dylan and Kids by Barry Feinstein, 1966.

Frank Zappa by Jerry Schatzberg, 1967.

Before his psychedelic fame, Jimi Hendrix (in a tux!) plays guitar for soul singer Wilson Pickett in 1966. Photo by William "PoPsie" Randolph.