Bob Gruen

Bob Gruen is certainly as iconic as they come in the world of Rock. His images continue to invite us into a world that has since left itself behind. It’s not only his access to such a range of defining artists at a defining moment in the history of music, but also his awareness of who they are as people beyond the stardom that for me provides an emotional connection to his work. Honest moments with real people who exist in a surreal world.

While exploring the recent display at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, I had a moment of genuine pause when confronted with the image of Tina Turner that appears above. The size of the print, almost larger than life, allowed me to experience in a still frame, the kinetic energy and strength of her as a performer. It gave my friend goosebumps for a week.

His collection of imagery is astounding and his stories both humble and entertaining. In his, but perhaps not exact words, a couple of thoughts: he ‘takes all people for who they are and never approaches anyone in awe’; and ‘most artists have music playing in the background … I have music playing in the foreground.’

website: bobgruen.com

interview: spirit of ‘77 - juice magazine

interview: night talk