BOB GRUEN - VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS
Unique Photography Collection
One-of-a-Kind Vintage Works
Created by the artist in 1971
ON VIEW NOW
Through March, 2025
Introducing a Historic Photography Exhibition
The Music Photo Gallery, in partnership with The-Hoax Studios, is honored to present a revival of one of the most significant exhibitions in the history of music photography. The original showcase took place in 1971 at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, featuring Bob Gruen’s striking photographs of Ike & Tina Turner. Thefollowing year, in 1972, the exhibition expanded to include a broader selection of his work, incorporating images of other legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Elton John, and Mick Jagger.
The exhibition was presented at the Westbeth Gallery, where Gruen’s work received its first critical recognition in The New York Times. This landmark review cemented his status as a rising talent and set the stage for his ascent as one of the most celebrated photographers of his time.
This groundbreaking exhibition marked the debut of Bob Gruen’s career—the first time his work was formally presented to the public—and is believed to be one of the earliest showcases of large-format music photography in New York City. At a time when music imagery was largely confined to album covers and magazines, Gruen’s bold decision to present his silver gelatin prints in striking dimensions of up to 30x40 inches was revolutionary, redefining the way music photography could be exhibited and experienced as fine art.
Now, over fifty years later, The Music Photo Gallery has the privilege of curating this historic collection once again, offering a rare opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of Gruen’s work and its profound influence on the generations of photographers that followed.
This exhibition is a celebration of a transformative era, a tribute to the enduring artistry of Bob Gruen, and a recognition of his unique role in defining the visual narrative of music history.
All the works in the show are available for purchase.
For inquiries or to arrange a private viewing, please contact info@MusicPhoto.net
Visit The Music Photo Gallery at The-Hoax Studios in SoHo, New York
96 Greene St., 2nd Floor
SoHo, New York, NY 10012
Bob Gruen Self Portrait. Roscoe 1970
First Review of Bob Gruen's work at The New York Times in 1972
BOB GRUEN VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS
A Historic Collection of Rare, One-of-a-kind Vintage-Prints from Bob Gruen’s Debut Exhibition at the iconic Beacon Theatre in 1971
Bob Gruen at the Westbeth Exhibition in 1974, Following His Debut Show at the Beacon Theatre
INSTALLATION VIEWS
Bob Gruen captures, as he says, “the passion and emotion” of the performers on stage. But even more significantly, he shows us what is unique and beautiful and powerful about each shining star in the musical constellation. We experience not only the image, but also the light. For indeed, before digital, photography was about light bouncing off the subject, onto the film and then projected through the light of the enlarger onto the light sensitive paper. There is a direct line of light from musicians onto Bob Gruen’s rare prints currently on exhibition for the first time. They shine their light.
Gail Buckland, Photo Historian and Photography Curator
Events
Media Highlights of the Exhibition
