- HIS LEGACY, MUSIC REVOLUTION + LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER BARRY FEINSTEIN
Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, today we celebrate the one and only Bob Dylan on his 80th birthday. During his 60+ active years, Dylan would revolutionize pop culture on his journey to constantly reinvent and challenge himself as an artist, writer and musician.
Often cited as one of Dylan’s most iconic moments, and among the most controversial, was the infamous Newport 1965 Set. Beginning with his anticipated acoustic hits, Dylan made a spontaneous decision to switch to an electric, fully amped band. Met with boos, cheers and shock on all sides, Dylan was said to have "electrified one half of his audience, and electrocuted the other,” according to American folk blues guitarist and music historian, Elijah Wald.
Our favorite part of this story is the rumor that Pete Seeger, fellow folk artist whom Dylan idolized, grabbed an ax and threatened to literally cut the chord mid-performance.
Although initially met with mixed reviews, over time Dylan’s electric period has come to be recognized by critics and fans alike as producing some of his best-received music, and this controversial performance at Newport is now marked as a pivotal moment in the development of folk rock.
As shameless Dylan fans here at Heart of Gold Gallery, we are also reminded on this day of the famous musician’s friendship with the late photographer and filmmaker, Barry Feinstein.
"I was in a unique position, given complete access and trust during a very special period. I saw Bob perform hundreds of times, traveled with him, often spent 24-hours a day with him,” said Feinstein. “Sometimes there were thousands of people at a concert, others times it was just the two of us."
Feinstein would go on to capture some of the most renowned moments and widely recognized photographs of Dylan. What strikes us most about Feinstein’s photographs is the degree of intimacy - it’s clear the pair shared a genuine bond and deep friendship.
"The mutual trust, respect and friendship we had for each other are reflected in these photographs. I liked his work, he liked mine. He knew I would make him look interesting and he was interesting. I knew I was in the presence of genius," said Feinstein.
"What often makes a piece of music great are the notes left out. And it's like that with photography; knowing when to take a shot and, more importantly, when not to,” said Feinstein. “I wanted my pictures to say something."
Feinstein would capture some of the most iconic photographs we treasure today of 1950’s Hollywood and the 1960’s music scene along with producing more than 500 album covers over the course of his career. Despite such recognition, respect and success achieved himself, Feinstein was notoriously incredulous and humble when regarding his work.
Say something they did and continue to speak to us today.
View our full Bob Dylan Collection online including fine art favorites from Feinstein and more selections from our noteworthy photographers.
Or get in touch with us today to find and frame your choice photograph.