Image above: © Joel Brodsky, Jim Morrison - American Poet - Used on the front cover of The Doors' 1985 compilation album "The Best of The Doors." Courtesy of Morrison Hotel Gallery.
Morrison Hotel Gallery opened on March 26th the archives of legendary photographer Joel Brodsky and shared publicly his astounding era-defining work. Brodsky has been Grammy nominated and has shot over 400 album covers, but he’s best known for his “Young Lion” photo shoot of heartthrob Jim Morrison. This new exhibit showcases his finest work with Jim Morrison, The Doors, and many other cultural icons.
Brodsky’s work is both anthemic and authentic. His photography makes striking definitive artistic statements that manage to be both larger than life but also welcoming and earthy. His pictures of Jim Morrison oozing Lizard King sexuality capture the rock star at the height of his powers, but also reveal his boyish innocence. Brodsky’s style helped to create an image for many other diverse performers, including Tom Waits, Tim Buckley, Aretha Franklin, Judy Collins, Isaac Hayes, Country Joe & the Fish, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Iggy Pop, and Kiss.
© Joel Brodsky, Jim Morrison - Baby Jim date unknown. Courtesy of Morrison Hotel Gallery.
This exhibit will be approximately half devoted to Brodsky’s work with The Doors and the other half will be a carefully curated broad section display of his expansive back catalog.
In 1967, Joel Brodsky opened his own studio where he shot his first photos that were used on an album. His fourth cover shooting for The Doors self-titled debut was part of a package that got nominated for a Grammy, (it was the first of nine covers he did for the group) and garnered him plum exposure to attract the interest of many other record companies. His perspective was a crucial marketing and career-making asset in a time when album cover art was the only visual representation of artists for the record buying public. After his esteemed photography career in the music business, Brodsky worked for many commercial clients including: Revlon, Avon, Dupont, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.
© Joel Brodsky, Aretha Franklin - The album cover for Aretha's 1974 album "Let Me in Your Life." Courtesy of Morrison Hotel Gallery.
© Joel Brodsky, Otis Spann - Otis Spann's album cover for his 1970 album "Cryin' Time." Courtesy of Morrison Hotel Gallery.
The exhibit will show from Friday, March 27th thru Thursday April 13th, at Morrison Hotel Gallery Soho, located at 116 Prince Street. Check more info at: www.morrisonhotelgallery.com
