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Legendary Rock Photographer Jim Marshall Dead at 74

Jim MarshallJim Marshall, one of rock's most iconic photographers, has died. According to Rolling Stone, the 74-year-old passed away in his sleep Tuesday night in New York.

Born in Chicago and raised in San Francisco, Marshall began his career in 1959. Getting his break via a chance shoot with John Coltrane (who consented to the photographs after Marshall gave him a ride), Marshall would go on to work some of the most famous musicians of all time, including Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead (who once dosed him with acid) and many more. Marshall's best-known shots include Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar at Monterey, the Who performing at sunrise during Woodstock and Johnny Cash flipping off the camera at San Quentin. He was also the only photographer allowed backstage at the Beatles' farewell 1966 concert at Candlestick Park.

Marshall's work has been collected in several books, the latest being 'Match Prints,' a collaboration with his friend Timothy White. Working right up until the end, Marshall was due at a media event Wednesday night to promote the book in New York. A quote in his official bio perfectly sums up his legacy: "I do see the music. This 'career' has never been just a job -- it's been my life."

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souldust

A friend of mine knew Jim Marshall. She got a Jimi Hendrix photo from him for me. I kept asking her to go back to him to get it signed. He was a crusty, cursing charater from what I hear. She never would go back to ask him to sign the photo. She also said he took a lot of photos of the civil rights movement during the 60's. She said was very proud of those photos,and she even had a few of them, but the rock photos were his claim to fame. RIP Jim.

April 24 2010 at 4:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
paul gambon

Wow, talk about being there at the right moment and having the photos to prove it! Rock wouldn't be the same with out those photos. So long, Jim, thanks

April 05 2010 at 10:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sarah Graham

there is no one like Jim. He will be missed.

March 27 2010 at 9:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lifestrand.net

Memorial for Jim Marshall. Feel free to express your feelings

http://lifestrand.net/jim_marshall

March 25 2010 at 4:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply