Pennie Smith, Norman Seeff, and Bob Gruen

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DSC_0270Going along with the theme of influential media figures and considering I put an emphasis on musicians and people that have influenced them I am going to be talking about three rock photo journalists: Pennie Smith, Norman Seeff, and Bob Gruen. All three began taking photos in the 60’s and have continued their prestigious careers throughout their lives. Influencing generation after generation of listeners, readers, photographers, and many other artists of different genres. One of these people is obviously me. This article will have something never before seen on this blog and that is a photograph I took myself. It is influenced by the styles of these three photographers.

In an interview by Randy Patterson, Bob Gruen explained his beginnings and in many ways his whole career in just a few paragraphs:

 As a 19 year old kid, Bob wrangled a press pass and got into the front row of what happened to be the Dylan Goes Electric show, which he says was chaos. And the rest is kind of the stuff of Rock and Roll history. Bob made his career as a rock and roll photographer by being a guy that people wanted to be around, being insanely talented,  and as he says – putting himself in the right place at the right time.

In the sixties, there was this idea of “Turn on, tune in, and drop out,” which he did. “I wasn’t really looking for a career, so I was living with a Rock & Roll band instead.”  He learned from his mom how to shoot photos when he was four or five years old, which was her hobby. He got his first camera when he was eight. (Start them young and expose them to everything! Right?) He began taking pictures of the band he was living with, and when they got an album deal, they used his pictures.  He lived in the village with a rock band for most of the 60s and spent his time with his camera shooting the little local bands that would play at clubs. “You weren’t in a band to get famous back then. You were in a band because you couldn’t get a real job, and so you figured, might as well be in a band, get a girl, get a drink.” When I asked him about how he feels about the gentrification of NYC these days he said, “It’s easy to romanticize those days of gritty old New York,” he says, “but no one was that strung out because they were happy. Things change. I’m not nostalgic for the past. I remember the past, live in the present and look to the future.”

Pennie Smith took a slightly different approach but not far off from where Bob was coming from in his ideals and beliefs of photography. She told of some of her experiences in an interview with  Steve Bateman over the phone in 2003.

You were born in London and studied graphics and fine art, at Twickenham Art School in the late 1960s. Is this where your interest in photography first began?

“No (laughing), I didn’t mean to be a photographer. I went to Art School and did photography for half a day a week, in the last year – hated it! The only bits that I enjoyed, was when I was sort of sent out with a camera, to do like what is commonly called reportage now, just go round the streets and snap. Then, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I was doing layout for a magazine for a while, sort of an underground magazine, and odds and ends of left-field posters for various people. Then Nick Kent came up to the magazine, and started writing about Iggy Pop, Lou Reed etc., he knew exactly who was who, and who was liable to be influential”.

Are there any photographers that you admire?

“I got into photography totally inadvertently, so I still don’t think of myself as a photographer, but as somebody that takes photographs. I don’t know modern technology, I know what works for me, with my sort of bashed up old equipment. Therefore, I’m just as likely to get inspiration from a left-field bit of decoration, or a bit of music, or anything, as I am from another photographer. I don’t swot photographers, having said that, I like Don McCullin’s Vietnam stuff, I like some of the early Cecil Beaton, because I can just see that he was very much hit and miss, as I am. I quite like the wild-game aspect of it, I don’t use a flash, and I quite like wondering if I can make it with the lights that are there, and stopping the action in time. If it’s not dangerous – I don’t like it! There are no rock photographers, most rock photography bores the pants off me, particularly the modern stuff where it’s studio-orientated, glossy passport photos, no, don’t like”.

akwford.wordpress.com

akwford.wordpress.com

Norman Seeff has a very different approach to photography than these other two. He is quoted in Rolling Stone Magazine whom he worked for as saying, “My whole thing was, ‘It’s not about photography – it’s about communication.”

commons.wikimedia.org

commons.wikimedia.org

Norman was never one to make mention of an artist or a specific photographer that had more influence on him than that of Bob Cato who was his first boss coming to America and taking photographs. He had a powerful influence on Norman.

In all reality if you think about it these artist’s style are all expressed in these few small statements made by each. You can tell a lot about what kind of photographs they take just by these small bits of interviews they have all done.

commons.wikimedia.org

commons.wikimedia.org

I was amazed at how much I learned doing the research I did on these photographers and what makes them tick. I think one of the things that stood out above any other article that I have done is this was brand new territory for me. I have been doing research on musicians for as long as I can remember but I have never taken the opportunity to look at those that bring the images of these giants to life.

commons.wikimedia.org

commons.wikimedia.org

When I began doing the research for this I figured I would find some photographers that had cool pictures, I never imagined that I would find the photographers that had brought some of my heroes into a very real image that I could stare at and just be mesmerized by. They took a passion of mine and made it very real by taking pictures of the very thing that I wanted to become. I never thought I would find the people that take the style of photograph that I want to take. I found people that share my interest in a certain style and feel.

The single most important thing I learned from doing this though is that I found what I want to become. I found the style I want to perfect and share with the world. I found my identity in many  regards. At the end of the day I learned about some influential media figures that directly affected me.

akwford.wordpress.com

akwford.wordpress.com

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/norman-seeff-shares-the-stories-behind-his-iconic-rock-photographs-20130516#ixzz2uUoleerG

http://www.josephbellows.com/artists/norman-seeff/bio/

http://normanseeff.com/

http://www.snapgalleries.com/photographers/pennie-smith/

http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/Rants/Penniesmith.htm

http://www.bobgruen.com/files/ledzep.html

http://imaginepeace.com/archives/10348

Jimi Hendrix

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Jimi Hendrix

Anyone that argues that Jimi Hendrix wasn’t the greatest guitar player of all time is strongly mistaken. When I first began getting really into guitar playing I had other players that I thought were much better, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. There is a reason that Jimi Hendrix is listed as the greatest guitarists by magazines and websites galore. It wasn’t because he could do things others can’t do because any seasoned guitarist can play the things he did. What Hendrix had that no one can compare with is a stage presence. When Jimi would get on stage he would transform from being a shy nice chill guy to a man with an extra limb that happened to be a guitar.

The guitar for Jimi wasn’t just an instrument it was a part of his body, a fraction of his soul. When Jimi strapped on that guitar it was like releasing the real side of him. His connection with the guitar is what made Jimi such a great player. Anyone with enough hard work and practice can play songs, but to truly feel and experience songs there is so much more to it that just knowing how to play.

Hendrix never learned how to read music everything he did was by ear, it was a more soulful sound because it. Jimi was such an inspiration to all players in one way or another. Jimi was willing to take chances, he played for the heck of it, and he just loved it so much. He could feel the music burning through him. The acid trips and all the drug use was just an escape, the music was the real drug. The emotion and intensity Jimi could project to anyone; it wasn’t just the drugs that made him so famous at Woodstock. He really had a spirit that could make anyone feel high with music.

Jimi was such a shy guy, in comparison with the legend that would step up to the mic. You could hear the melody from his voice, but you would hear the real emotion from his fingers. The way that he would slide into a phrase, bend a string, or attack a note it was all so real and so different that it made everyone become an instant addict.

Everyone wants to be like Jimi. Who else set their guitars on fire only to play them the next day? Who could play guitar with his teeth because the taste was so good. Who else could influence an entire society of players without living past the age of 24? Jimi Hendrix did what it took four Beatles to do. He changed the world.

Led Zeppelin

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Taking the balance of good and evil, Led Zeppelin is the perfect example of what all bands want to be. To have ability to play both heavy metal and have amazing power ballads, the creativity to balance out light and dark themes as well as the presence to create such a stage impression that it never leaves the back of your mind.

You have Robert Plant who is one of the greatest front men, lead singer, and song writer, bringing to the table to light side of things. His genius lyrics based on Christian themes presented both by scripture as well as Christian writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien. On the other side you have Jimmy Page who is the representation of the dark side. His fascinations with cults and other darker themes he brings the opposition to Robert Plant’s light side. Jimmy Page brought the heavy elements to Led Zeppelin. His fantastic guitar technicality made him one of the most impressive guitar players on the century. Then to make sure everything was balanced out you have Jon Bonham and John Paul Jones on bass and drums. Their skills matched those of Plant and Page but they were more like the glue that kept the band on track. They both showed amazing talent as well.

The band proved to be a super band. They had everything they needed to be great. They had an amazing front man, a phenomenal guitarist, a deadly drummer (pun intended), and a knockout bassist. They proved everyone wrong. The idea for starting the band started with Jimmy Page who had just left the Yarbirds and wanted to play a new act with Jeff Beck. When this happened everyone was under the impression that this would flop. The phrase in England at the time was that it would be like a lead balloon, referencing to the Hindenburg tragedy. This was just fuel for Jimmy Page. When Beck turned him down he began playing with others eventually forming the “New Yarbirds” which they were able to use for one tour but then was told it was copy write infringement. So as a middle finger to the world Jimmy Page took out the a in lead and changed the word balloon to zeppelin and you now have led zeppelin the band that showed the world that it could be done when no one else believed it could.

Led Zeppelin is considered to be one of the first “heavy metal” bands. Their influence has spread far and wide. I am sure that you could ask just about anyone and they have at least heard some part to a Led Zeppelin song. They are super famous for their spectacular eight minute power ballad that is the “Stairway to Heaven”. It became such a famous song that in many guitar shops it was banned from being played because it was played so often by guitarists playing the all too famous picking style song. Once a band has their song banned from guitar shops because it is played too often in when you know that you have truly left your mark on society. Which Led Zeppelin has done so beautifully.

The Beatles

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The Beatles are not arguably but just the greatest band of all time. If you would like to try and argue with that statement here are some known facts for you. The Beatles are the greatest selling band in history. No band even comes close. They have the most number one hits on both the U.S. and U.K. charts with 20.

What is it though that made the Beatles so astounding? First and foremost the Beatles changed everything. Music itself will never change because there are only 13 notes, but what the Beatles did is they changed how music was supposed to be presented, how bands were supposed to be; they set the standard for every band to come after them.

The band had everything a truly fantastic band needs. Good looking members with a sense of style, good lyrics, good melodies, meaning to what it is that they were saying, true feeling of what was being presented, and a great presence. If you look at the Beatles they possessed all these traits as well as millions of others that make them the best.

Think about a world without the Beatles. Any pop group that you currently listen to wouldn’t exist; the rock genre wouldn’t be anywhere near what it is now. The Beatles defined what it meant to be a rock star, to be able to come out and say crazy outrageous things, to do the unforgettable, and the unforeseen.

Who else but The Beatles could get away with saying they were more famous than Jesus? When John Lennon made this statement he wasn’t looking to say that he was more important that Jesus, but more that with the stardom status received by being a member of “The Fab Four” he was more well known to the world than Jesus.

One of the things that made the Beatles larger than life was that their style, lyrics, and writing abilities were just that, larger than life. Each member of the Beatles contributed in more than one way and helped them reach their full potential. Although Ringo Star and George Harrison weren’t the lead song writers the songs they wrote helped push the band forward. With John Lennon and Paul McCartney it was more of a competitive relationship with each other that caused them to work harder. The competitive edge really made a difference in what they would write and how they would go about doing it.

The Beatles were the greatest. It doesn’t matter how eloquently you can put it, it is a simple true statement. Without the Beatles we wouldn’t be where we are musically and that is that. The Beatles will stand the test of time. Long live the Beatles!

The King of Pop Vs. The King of Rock

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The two legends were larger than life. Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were one of a kind. No one in their right mind would deny that these two musicians were two of the most influential and inspiring human beings to walk the face of the earth. Their influence is endless. What is it though that made these two so different from everyone else? Why did these two extend out of the boundaries of normal musicianship into a realm reserved for the likes of people like themselves and others such as the Beatles?

Well we don’t know for sure but we can look at some similarities between the two royalties. First and foremost their fame ultimately led to their untimely self-destruction. The two both expanded their influence from genre to genre never sticking to a single style of music because that just wouldn’t be their style. The two expanded their influence so broadly by doing just that. They were constantly shifting gears to new ideas and styles of music to satisfy those insatiable desires to push the envelope.

The two musician’s lives did overlap at a point but the timing of their careers were both at different times and different eras of music. Elvis was at a time when Rock n’ Roll was just getting its start. Elvis was helping with the transition of blues and other African American styles to a new genre that would stand different from the rest. Elvis had the sound of an African American which is what led him to being signed. The world wanted a white guy singing black music. When Elvis took off it was a sound people would not soon forget. Elvis is considered to be one of the greatest musicians in history. He is considered the best selling solo-artist in history. His influence on pop culture and music is still being seen to this day.

Michael on the other hand began playing music at a time when African Americans were beginning to make an impression on the “mainstream” scene. Beginning in a band with his family Michael started out as a backup singer and dancer but would soon move closer to the spotlight until he was the spotlight. Many writers and critics could see from a young age that there was something different about Michael. Michael eventually took off as a solo artist and became the most decorated musician in history. Michael has the most records sold of an individual artist and currently holds the record for the most sold album in history.

Both have achieved great success and honors above all other musicians. The two of them together have changed more about music and pop culture than anyone. Now the great argument is who is greater The King of Pop or the King of Rock? In my personal opinion after looking at how many awards and other polls have been done by magazines, specials, and other forums. The greatest would have to go to Michael Jackson. In defense though for you Elvis fans without Elvis there would be no Michael. Michael still has more awards; more albums sold, and had more hits than Elvis which is why I would make such a statement.

Jack White

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Jack White is the Jimi Hendrix, the Eric Clapton, and the Jimmy Page of our generation. His influence has spread far and wide. Being ranked number 70 in the top one hundred best guitarists of all times in Rolling Stone magazine, the young Detroit born guitarist is paving the way for the modern musicians. His style is so different and interesting that he just can’t be ignored. You have heard at least one of his songs somewhere. Most likely it’s the melody line from his number one hit with his first big band the White Stripes entitled “Seven Nation Army”.

Jack White’s beginnings are slightly different than many musicians with his status. John Anthony Gillis is the real name to the artist that began playing guitar and drums at the age of six. He being born to catholic parents who both had jobs within the church, John (Jack) was obliged to become an altar boy. His role as an altar boy would have a profound effect on him. He ended up getting a role in the 1987 The Rosary Murders. He would later have to decide between becoming a priest and living a life of music.

Obviously history has written this story and we know the outcome to the great personal choice Jack chose to make. Honestly I am glad that he chose the latter. He became a musician who came with plenty of hard work and some intense creativity. Jack would play in several local bands to Detroit before meeting the bar tender Meg White. The two would join in both playing and in a secret marriage. John would untraditionally take Meg’s last name and change his first name to Jack. Thus we have Jack White. The two kept their marriage a secret because Jack didn’t want the public to focus on their relationship. He wanted everyone to pay attention to the music they were creating. The two came up with the relationship status that they were siblings it wasn’t until recent years that the secret was released.

The two together formed the super duo known as the White Stripes. With Jack on guitar, vocals, organ, and piano, and Meg on drums the two began writing and recording. Over six albums they would reach soaring spots on the charts. Numbers like “Seven Nation Army”, “Blue Orchid”, “Fell in Love with a Girl”, and “Icky Thump” would bring the band into the blinding lights of stardom.

Unfortunately a good thing never last forever and so is with the case of the White Stripes who broke up in 2011. The two had divorced earlier in 2000 after a four year marriage. Jack would go through many more relationships. All of which had a profound influence on his music.

During 2005 while still with the White Stripes Jack felt that he needed to expand his creativity and started another band. The Raconteurs as they would be known became an overnight sensation with the hit “Steady as She Goes”. The band would put out two full length albums between 2005 and the present day.  The band is just another example of how creative Jack White truly can be.

In 2009 feeling that he wasn’t busy enough White started another band this one named the Dead Weather. This time though he played a slightly different role playing drums and splitting vocals. Just another side of Jack I guess. He has recorded two albums with them currently.

As if that isn’t enough to get you to be featured in magazines, movies, tours, and constant interviews Jack takes it one step further and writes his own solo album. Essentially working three full time jobs Jack White apparently can do anything. His extremely creative and somewhat chaotic career is one that has and will influence generations. From his one man melody, guitar, and bass show with the White Stripes to his lead front man role in the Raconteurs, to his laid back singing and rhythmic role in the Dead Weather, and finally to his one man concoction we are far from seeing and hearing the end of the astounding Jack White.

Eric Clapton

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When you think of influential musicians who do you think of? Jimi Hendrix maybe, or the Beatles, the Rolling stones is also another possibility well Eric Clapton is sometimes looked over. Ok not really, that is a big fat lie Eric Clapton is one of the most influential musicians of all time. He is the ONLY musician to receive not one, not two, but three inductions into the Rock n’ Roll hall of fame. He was named the second best guitarist ever only after Jimi Hendrix by Rolling Stone Magazine. He has been the inspiration to so many guitarists and other musicians alike. He has played with the best and has been known as the best. Which is why in the early 60s late 70s there was a phrase that spread like wildfire all throughout England. “Clapton is God”.

Clapton helped to start many bands including but not limiting to the Yarbirds, Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, and his own solo project. When Clapton left the Yarbirds he referred the band to another guitar legend in Jeff Beck, who then referred Jimmy Page to be part of the lineup. From the Yarbirds sprouted those three who are three of the most influential guitarists.

Clapton went on to play with Cream a three piece super band. This band did so much for Clapton in so many ways. It helped humble him in many ways because he was classified as “God”. While in Cream Clapton was able to find himself as a guitar player, constantly being pushed by the jazz players that were his band mates. During this time Clapton was also introduced to Jimi Hendrix whom would have an astounding influence on Clapton. Seeing Hendrix play when he jammed with them really proved to Clapton that one he wasn’t as good as he thought as well as found his musical soul mate. Sadly Hendrix would die a soon time later. During this time also Rolling Stone magazine had an interview that ended up being a massive blow to Clapton’s ego because the article talked about how Clapton was conceded and wasn’t all he thought he was. Due to these events Clapton began taking a good look at himself to figure out what it was he wanted in himself.

Cream broke up and Clapton began working on the project of Derek and the Dominoes, Derek being a nickname for Clapton. This was done so that the spotlight wasn’t always on Clapton and he could explore his abilities as a song writer and rhythm guitarist. At this time Clapton also began writing about his personal life and struggles. The title track being written about Pattie Boyd the wife of his dear friend George Harrison. Clapton and Boyd would eventually be married after the divorce of Harrison and Boyd.

Clapton would go through many more bands before he would eventually decide to just play as a solo artist. Clapton has written about many life experienced and events that have been important to him. The song cocaine was written about his drug and alcohol addictions. The song tears in heaven were written about his son who died falling out of a window. Clapton to this day is still playing and touring. He has been one of the greatest influences to music. His style and innovations have inspired many guitarists.

Walt Disney

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If anyone deserves to be on this list it is this man. Walt Disney has influenced the world through media more than any other person. If anyone is in objection to this feel free to let me know but I fully stand by my statement that he is the most influential person involving media.

Let’s look at the accomplishments Disney has made. Walt started the Disney Company which has made more children’s movies than any other company. Walt helped to invent the first theme park. Disney has been a key player in the revolution of technology including but not limiting to trains, animatronics, film, and roller coasters just to give a few examples.

Before Walt the only type of animation was cartoon strips to be found in the paper. Walt took the idea of moving cartoon strips and began creating animated short films. With more and more success achieved with these short films Walt decided it was time to create a full length animation film for children. Snow White was then created and became such a large success that Disney began making other films. Some of these films did very well such as Cinderella and others not doing as well such as Pinocchio. With every film that Disney made he would learn and push his staff to new levels.

Disney decided that he wanted to create an amusement park that was designed for kids. Disney had a love for trains and wanted to share that love with the world. Thus Disney land was built. To this day Disney has created many more parks including Disney world which have spread all over the world.

The Disney Company started by Walt has continued to shine and progress even after Walt’s death. The company has bought and taken over some major companies to help the companies and Disney expand. These companies include Marvel Comics ,the leading comic book company, Pixar animation, ESPN, and ABC network.

Blink 182

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Blink 182

The leaders of the new millennium pop-punk era, made it on my list because of the influence they had on punk music. Before Blink most bands that were considered punk were all about being hardcore and super serious about their music. With Blink it was all about having fun, cracking jokes, and then dealing with the serious stuff. They brought a whole new fan base to the idea of punk rock. Blink introduced punk in a very mainstream way which helped pave the road for many bands to come. The style of lyrics written was more poppy and dealt more with adolescence problems and relationships.

With catchy lyrics, a great sense of humor, and a lot of hard work this band was able to show the world what they could do. It didn’t all start out that way though. The band for a long time was ridiculed and was considered a joke by many. Various punk bands even would go as far as to say that they didn’t want to be associated with a band like blink because they weren’t the “norm” punk band. This was just fuel for the band though, they now had a purpose for becoming the best, and they were ready for the world to see what they were missing out on.

One of the things that Blink 182 did that sealed their fate as an influential band was to create videos that were full of humor which reflected their style and personality. Their fan base grew huge and their record sales shot through the roof with the success of these highly entertaining videos.

What didn’t blink have? They had the fame, the fan base, the lyric writing abilities, and a great sense of humor. This band had it all, unfortunately they did have a difference of opinions which did eventually cause the band to split for a while. During this split though the band would actually grow in fame as a result of the other project the members had going on. Tom Delonge had a new project by the name of Angels & Airwaves which led him to have more great success. Mark Hoppus would start producing bands as well as host his own T.V. show. Travis Barker would continue to play in various bands.

The event that would bring the band back together wasn’t an easy one. Travis Barker was involved in a plane crash that left him with second and third degree burns. This event would cause the other band members to come to his side for support. Eventually ending with the band getting back together and they are still going strong.

Will we see the end of the fame of Blink 182? For now I don’t see anything stopping these guys from continuing to change the world.

Stan Lee

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Stan Lee

Well this is a pretty easy person to talk about. Stan Lee is one of my heroes and I think that he defiantly deserves to be put on this list of most influential media figures. He changed the entire aspect and way that comic books would be written. Before Stan Lee DC was the major comic book company, and their style of writing about super heroes consisted of perfect super human beings whose only cares were saving the lives of those whom they protected. Stan Lee came in with this idea of writing about super heroes who would have real world characteristics and problems in their lives. These super heroes worried about impressing girlfriends, paying rent, and other things that you and I worry about. With this new style of writing readers could relate with these characters on a new level.

Stan Lee is credited with being the main creator of super heroes such as: Spider-man, Thor, Hulk, the X-men, Iron Man, and the Fantastic Four. Stan Lee took Marvel comics and made them the comic books that they are. With Stan Lee’s work and contributions we have the majority of the super heroes created. When you think about a superhero more times than not, it is one of Stan Lee’s creations.

Stan Lee on top of creating many of Marvel’s big players changed some of the rules made for writing comic books. Before Stan Lee comic books weren’t allowed to reference major problems in society such as drug abuse. He helped to reform these laws to help the comic book world expand their creative abilities.

Stan Lee helped change writing and media for the better. If anyone deserves to be on this list Stan Lee is one of them. Stan Lee changed the superhero world, the writing styles of comic books, and the laws associated with writing comic books.