When most people think of photographer Jim Marshall (1936-2010), scenes from rock and roll history come crashing to mind: Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire during the Monterey Pop Festival; Johnny Cash flipping the bird at San Quentin State Prison; Janis Joplin lounging like a vixen in a sparkly mini-dress with a bottle of Southern Comfort in hand; the Charlatans playing the Summer of Love concert in Golden Gate Park.
"Few photographers have had a life and career as historic as Jim Marshall. His pictures not only capture some of the most influential artists of the 20th century but also established a new level of intimacy in the relationship between entertainers and the photojournalists documenting them.
One of the most iconic photographers of the rock era with an eye for bringing out the humanity in oft-mysterious stars, Jim Marshall was the chief photographer at Woodstock, shot the Beatles' final ticketed concert and captured one of the most beloved Bob Dylan photos of all time. Amelia Davis' new book, Jim Marshall: Show Me the Picture, includes legendary shots and some previously unseen photos from the late talent.
Jim Marshall’s images have become a visual diary of the rebellious and revolutionary spirit of the genre.
Throughout his illustrious career, American photographer Jim Marshall(1936-2010) defined the look of rock and roll. His images helped turned the genre into a revolutionary movement which went against the oppressive power structure of the status quo.
From the San Francisco Chronicle (Datebook)
By Sam Whiting
It is impossible to predict when the Rolling Stones will play the Bay Area for the last time. But what is known for sure is when the band played here the first time. It was May 14, 1965, and the omnipresent photographer Jim Marshall was there with his Leica, standing at the back of the stage — where he liked to be — as the band played the San Francisco Civic Auditorium.
