The term "rock 'n' roll" has always referred to more than just the music. Its sonic oomph -- personified in images of our teenage crushes and all-time idols, whether it's Elvis gyrating his hips or Kurt Cobain thrashing his guitar -- make up the other half of the picture. Photo historian and curator Gail Buckland understood the impact of this imagery and, together with the Brooklyn Museum, collected 175 photographs -- some iconic and some rarely seen -- by 104 photographers, for a show capturing artists ranging from Wilson Pickett to Amy Winehouse, titled "Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present." The exhibition is accompanied by a book of the same name, and a Henry Diltz close-up of Tina Turner -- looking beatific with beads of sweat running down her face -- graces the cover and awesomely sums up the sentiment.
For many, "Who Shot Rock & Roll" will bring back fond (or "altered") memories of their first college dorm (Bob Marley, anyone?), first concert or first obsession with a band. In addition to celebrating these rock icons, the show and the book pay homage to the photographers themselves, who clocked countless hours chasing those golden, immortalizing moments. "These photographs embody euphoric ecstasy, rebellion and revolution," says Buckland, who's been a rock-ophile since seeing Elvis Presley in concert when she was eight years old. "I'm just glad to be sharing them. Rock 'n' roll has been a great unifier of generations. It's quite magical."
"Who Shot Rock & Roll" runs through jan. 31st at the Brooklyn Museum.
(clockwise from above) William "PoPsie" Randolph, "Jimi Hendrix and Wilson Pickett"; Max Vadukul, "Amy Winehouse"'; Ian Dickson, "The Ramones"; Henry Diltz, "Tina Turner"
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