Spotlight: A Look at Bob Gruen
Bob Gruen is a name that's synonymous with music photography. For over 50 years, he's been behind the camera, capturing some of the most iconic images of rock and roll legends.
One of his most famous photographs is the image of John Lennon wearing his New York City t-shirt. The shot was taken during the former Beatle's 1974 "Walls and Bridges" photo shoot, and has since become one of the most recognizable images of Lennon.
Gruen's photos of The Clash are also legendary. His shot of the band standing in front of a tenement building for their album "London Calling" is an enduring image of punk rock. He also captured the band's 1979 show at the Palladium, where they smashed their instruments in front of a raucous crowd.
(L-R) Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones of The Clash live in Boston, MA. February 16, 1979. © Bob Gruen
Another one of Gruen's iconic images is his shot of Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page playing his guitar with a violin bow. This image, taken during the band's 1977 U.S. tour, perfectly captures the band's raw energy and creativity.
Gruen's photography has also extended beyond just the musicians themselves. He's captured images of music fans at shows, giving a glimpse into the larger cultural phenomenon that is rock and roll. His photo of a young girl holding a "I Love Elvis" sign at a 1972 Elvis Presley concert perfectly captures the energy and enthusiasm of fans at these shows.
Throughout his career, Gruen has been a master at capturing the essence of rock and roll. His photos have documented the evolution of the genre and the iconic figures that have shaped it. He's also been an advocate for artists' rights and has used his platform to raise awareness for important causes.
Bob Gruen's photos are more than just snapshots of musicians - they're pieces of history, capturing moments that have become larger than life. His work has left an indelible mark on music photography, and his images will continue to inspire and captivate music fans for generations to come.
Bob Gruen's official website. (n.d.). Bob Gruen. Retrieved from https://www.bobgruen.com/
Bob Gruen: Rock Seen. (2013). LensCulture. Retrieved from https://www.lensculture.com/articles/bob-gruen-rock-seen
Boucher, B. (2015, October 28). Bob Gruen's Iconic Rock Photos. ArtNet News. Retrieved from https://news.artnet.com/art-world/bob-gruen-iconic-rock-photos-345267
Hiatt, B. (2017, May 11). Bob Gruen on photographing rock's biggest names: 'I never felt like I was star-struck'. Rolling Stone. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bob-gruen-on-photographing-rocks-biggest-names-i-never-felt-like-i-was-star-struck-121040/
"John Lennon: The New York Years." American Masters. PBS. 2020. Television.
"Rock Seen." Bob Gruen. Abrams Image, 2011.
Snapes, L. (2014, June 26). Bob Gruen's best photograph: Ike and Tina Turner get ready to rock. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/jun/26/bob-gruen-best-photograph-ike-and-tina-turner-get-ready-to-rock
