PhotoSynthesis: Marley to Madonna, Sinatra to Sid

Posted on Jul 30th 2007 3:00PM by Spinner Staff
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World-class photographer Neal Preston has often found himself on the front lines of the rock & roll revolution during an illustrious career that has spanned four decades. In this photo essay he recounts, in his own words, the stories behind many of the iconic images he has captured of rock's greatest musicians, starting with the photograph below.

Next: The Rat Pack

Los Angeles, 1979: I recently discovered that frame while pulling some old material together for my exhibition at the Morrison Hotel Gallery in New York City last year. I've never been a Bob Marley fan ... I've never been a reggae fan at all, but this picture jumped out at me, and Bob Marley fans seem to love it.

I'm gonna be honest: I don't even know what I was doing at the damn show.

Next: The Rat Pack

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Filed under: PhotoSynthesis
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Reader Comments(1 of 2)

Neutral

Musicat 2-22-2008

That's very good.
Thanks for great article.

Koolat 3-04-2008

Good picture! :-D

Negritaat 8-13-2008

I don't see why everyone makes a big deal of a idiot whose dead and smoked weed thats why everyone praises him.

I agree with u david o...they praise him for all the wrong reasons

chris browns baby girl 4 lifeat 8-03-2007

thats good

George Manosat 8-03-2007

Neal Preson is a genius! His photos capture
the passion of the moment, and the music.
LOVE that Rat Pack shot too!

Stephanieat 8-03-2007

I'm not too familiar with Bob Marley either but this is certainly "art" in itself, as was your subject. Incredibly striking pose, fantastic angle... Very glad you were there too :)

Lindaat 8-03-2007

This pic. is realy super. I love Bob Marley.

Goldat 8-03-2007

Bob Marley was the best mon! Great pic, it's electric!
Hey Neal, U were lucky to be there and watch him live, wish I could had been there!

troubleat 8-03-2007

I am a huge Bob Marley fan and even though I was'nt born when he was alive thats what I grew up listening to my mom loves him and his music it speak to people,I guess if u cant relate to what he's saying in his music then u wont understand him he was a legend one of the gratest musicians that ever lived I love Bob Marley thank u for being there.

Jimat 8-03-2007

Frank Sinatra...one of the true bottom-feeders of all time.

Leopard123Tat 8-03-2007

Hell Yes!!! This is history. Bob was a genious. No one compares to him, the originator, except maybe his son. Love the pic

david oat 8-04-2007

bob marley,, what a loooooser,, you couldnt understand anything he was singing,, he is whats wrong in our country today,, do nothing , get high ,,, excpect it all to be given to you

palarjonesat 8-04-2007

Bob lives!

Jossyat 8-04-2007

DIDN'T COMMENT ON A FEW OF THE FIRST PICTURES SO WILL NOW. DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS GUY BUT LOVE TAJ MAHAL AND WHEN HE WENT FROM THE BLUES TO REGGAE, HE DID IT WITH GREAT GUITAR AND VOICE SKILLS. SAW TAJ IN D.C. WHEN HE WAS PLAYIN' THE BLUES, IT WAS GREAT..ALSO HAD JAMES COTTON THERE THE SAME NIGHT. COTTON DID CHICAGO BLUES, ANOTHER FANTASTIC FORM OF THE BLUES. REGGAE IS PRETTY GOOD MUSIC TOO, IT MAKES YA MOVE.

phoenixat 8-04-2007

Great pics. Really nice.

wahiawaiianat 8-04-2007

BOB MARLEY is the best! His music is incredible. He is able to reach people even now! I grew up listening to him and my children listen to him as well. I recomend everyone to try to listen to him. The lyrics are incredibly deep. AND the beat is one ANYONE can dance to...even my husband! =)

Meannessat 8-04-2007

One Love is universal

Anelfire1stat 8-04-2007

THE RAT PACK WAS JUST THAT, RATS THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE COOL,ALL THEY WERE, WERE A BUNCH OF DRINKERS',SMOKERS AND DOPE HEADS. THEY HAD TIES WITH THE MOB... I COULDN'T STAND THEM. STILL DON'T LIKE THE LAST ONE OR TWO OF THEM...