PhotoSynthesis: Marley to Madonna, Sinatra to Sid
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.
Posted by Spinner Staff on Jul 30th 2007 3:00PM
Filed under: PhotoSynthesis
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
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.
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.
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!
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
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...
Dianaat 8-04-2007
Really I don't like the Rat Pack or Bruce Springsteen. They both are sickening. The Rat Pack is just that a bunch of Rats...Mob connected.
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
Maria-Danielleat 8-05-2007
I would like to thank Mr. Preston for capturing the essence of Bob Marley in this photo. As a child growing up in the projects of NY in the 1970's, I was enriched with the messages of passion that Bob Marley, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and so many others put forth through their music. Their convictions allowed me to understand why they spoke out so fervently about racial inequality, social despair and planetary problems. Through their music, I learned self-pride in my culture and what that meant. I learned so many things that has had a wonderful impact on my life. Once again, Mr. Preston...thank you.
Georgeetoat 9-22-2007
wheres stevie ray
LONGLIVETHE60sat 11-11-2007
bob marley was a true legend and will be remembered always... david o,no comment. actually, i do have a comment: please. do your self a favor. get a life. get a taste in music.
Naughty MDMDat 12-05-2007
I CAN'T GIVE YOU MY PASSWORD