As the debut of the Jack & Jim Gallery draws near (next Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011), we wanted to offer some insights about the vignette display cases that were assembled so lovingly by Amelia Davis and Bonita Passarelli in the new Jack Daniels-sponsored gallery at Austin City Limits Live. For those unable to see it in the flesh, the installation of the 30-photo exhibit was movingly captured in this video now on YouTube. The displays illuminate the stories behind some of Jim’s most enduring images via memorabilia that Jim (wisely) hung on to from those times when he was at the height of his professional powers.
The Monterey International Pop Music Festival, 1967
Earlier this summer I posted two blogs on Jim’s work at Monterey with a special focus on one of his most world-changing shots: Jimi Hendrix burning his beloved Fender Stratocaster for the first time. This case commemorates Jim's astonishing output from that seminal summer festival.
For me, the most touching part of this display case is Jim’s “uniform,” that classic goldenrod-colored corduroy jacket and those beat up desert boots. In addition, the case holds two camera bags filled with assorted light meters and lens filters and supplemental camera gear, and other “paraphernalia” such as a “joint lighter” that still contains peppermint-scented lighter fluid. There are also shell casings from his .45 Magnum, rifle bullets, pocket knives, fragile stickers, toothpaste and brushes, binoculars, his belt with knife camouflaged in the belt buckle, a happy face smiley button and lots more. This wealth of tools and toys is accompanied by Jim’s personal copy of “Monterey Pop” and a drawer filled with copies of 60 proof sheets from his work documenting the three days of the festival. To learn more check out these blogs from our festival coverage earlier this summer: Down in Monterey and More Monterey Pop: Shake, Rattle and BURN!
The Allman Brothers Band At the Fillmore East 1971 Album Cover
This case highlights Jim’s critical work for the band’s double live album that went platinum in three formats: vinyl, CD, and cassette tape. Jim received a framed piece with a platinum-coated vinyl album, CD and cassette from the label, Island/Mercury, in gratitude for Jim’s concept and design for the album cover. It is 49th among Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and is often cited as one of the most well-known live recordings in history. Here’s the story behind the album cover as Jim told it: Notoriously difficult to photograph, Jim could not get the band to smile. Finally, after pleading with them to smile, he finally threatened to hold back the coke since Jim was the dealer of the day. They all burst out with big grins and that became the front image for the album.
The back of the album has the Allmans’ roadies in the same positions in front of the cases. The exhibit display case includes copies of the proof sheets from the shoot as well as the original album, cassette and CD from Jim’s personal collection. From the Jack & Jim Gallery press release: Showcasing 30 original photographs, this exhibit captures candid and performance images of the some of most recognizable artists in the world, including Johnny Cash, flipping the bird at San Quentin Prison; Jimi Hendrix, burning his Strat; Carlos Santana; Mick Jagger; The Beatles; Willie Nelson; Bob Dylan; Jim Morrison; Janis Joplin and many more. The featured works include prints from Jim’s personal collection that have never been seen before in a public venue. I’m so glad that the exhibition is going to be up for the next three years, I can’t think of a better field trip than to go to Austin City Limits for a great live show and pop up to check out the Jack & Jim Gallery exhibit and these fascinating vignettes, which have now become a must-see for me.
- Jim Marshall Photography LLC Newsroom blog
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