DECEMBER 31.2016

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My 38th year in Nashville / 49th year as a photographer

NEWS 2017

DECEMBER 27
THE JUNGLE SHOW
CHRIS "WHIPPER" LAYTON + SUE FOLEY + BILLY GIBBONS + JIMMIE VAUGHAN
The "Jungle Show" rehearsal - 3Ten Club, Austin, Texas

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DECEMBER 27
LaFayette, Tennessee

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DECEMBER 17
SYLVIA
Ford Theater - Country Music Hall Of Fame / 11:23 am

SYLVIA runs through a song backstage, seven minutes before showtime.
Excellent short set with Bobby Tomberlin (singer /songwriter) and John Mock (guitar, bango, percussion)

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DECEMBER 17
PEACE - HO HO HO
Country Music Hall Of Fame, Nashville / 12:15 pm

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DECEMBER 13
STAND WITH SAVANNAH - Benefit
Savannah and Kevin Welch - Skyville, Nashville
Our music community is strong and supportive when catastrophes happen.
Savannah, who recently suffered an accident, is a beautiful woman, daughter, sister, wife and mother.

It was a wonderful evening of music and comradeship, reuniting THE DEAD RECKONERS for the first time in fifteen years

more pictures
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DECEMBER 9
KIRK DOUGLAS - 100 TODAY
This picture is from October 1992, John and June Cash made a surprise appearance at his book signing at Tower Records, in Nashville.
The Gift was a great read. KIRK DOUGLAS is a wonderful man, who has been blessed with an amazing career, fortitude
and a loving wife, who is now 97.
BRAVO and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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DECEMBER 7
GREG LAKE - R.I.P.
Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer at Manticore Records, London - March 1973
Gone too soon at 69.

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DECEMBER 6
STEVE EARLE - GUITAR TOWN 30 T.SHIRT
#GT30 / featuring my original photograph.

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DECEMBER 3 1967
was my first day at work as a professional photographer, I was sixteen.
I eagerly began working with famed music photographer, Dezo Hoffmann at his London studio.
The studio where he had photographed the Beatles, Stones and in my second week, Jimi!
I missed the Beatle era, but did get to photograph them eight months later.

This is my 1967 passport picture, by Dezo. Somewhere I have pictures of me that first week.
49 years later I am just as excited about photography. I always loved nature and landscapes. When I was a boy I photographed the coastal scenes and documented my family. I was a Beatle fan, so I got a job with their photographer, soon I was shooting pop stars myself.
Six months later I was laid off and went freelance from the studio.

2017 will be my 50th professional anniversary, to be celebrated by a retrospective book and more to be announced during the coming yearI

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GEORGE HARRISON
Died this day, November 29th 2001
I photographed him a few times. This popular 17x22 print of George in 1968 is available to order.
BUY A PRINT

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THANKSGIVING DAY - NOV 24
KENTUCKY

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MATT BURKE - R.I.P.
10.27.62 - 11.21.16
MATT BURKE and I became Facebook friends in May 2011.
Many of us will miss the on-line banter, the jokes, the educated country-boy vernacular, the writer.
I think Matt was lonely, gifted with talents that he never allowed to fully mature. Maybe he lived vicariously through his many e.friends, hopefully
some girlfriends / lovers. He did not die alone, his friend Marie was there to hold his hand.

Sometimes I would send Matt little gifts; music, money and a print of one of my photographs.
He was always short of funds, but large of heart, but that big ‘ole heart was not strong enough to take him further down the road of life.
I am waiting for the proverbial Matt Burke e.retort, "LOL", but alas it won’t happen.
If there is a heaven, for god’s sake get a “fecking” new truck that runs to eternity.

Matt at The Big Apple Cafe, Murray, Kentucky - 3.15.14.
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NOVEMBER 20
INIS and TOM BAKER
Tom is battling cancer and big C is dealing with a big fight.
He is a strong man, they don't make them like that anymore!
Tom and Inis are loved by so many, their love for each other is an inspiration.
Tom plays bass in Jeff Poppen's, Organic Band.

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NOVEMBER 20
THE BULL
Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee

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NOVEMBER 18
NUDIE’S HONKY TONK OPENING PARTY
Broadway, Nashville

MANUEL, who worked at NUDIE’S in Hollywood and BILL MILLER owner of NUDIE’S and JOHNNY CASH Museum / 7:15 pm

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LEONARD COHEN - R.I.P.
September 21 1934 - November 10 2016

March 1993 I drove to Toronto, providing myself the opportunity to meet, photograph and have a brief conversation backstage at the O'Keefe Centre
with one of my musical heroes.
A most genial man, we spoke about the Isle of Wight festival and I took this photograph.

In 2009 I got to see Leonard Cohen perform so wonderfully in Nashville.
He said from the stage, "We may never pass this way again".
An original who did it his way and who has left us with this song and many others "You Want It Darker".
"There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in."
With respect - RIP.
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BAP KENNEDY - R.I.P.
June 17, 1962 - November 1, 2016
Just learned of the death of Bap Kennedy, after a courageous five month battle with cancer
Currently i am working on a re-release of his album, Domestic Blues, scheduled for January.
I hope he got to read Steve Earle's message and see the new artwork.
Listen to UNFORGIVEN on my Music + Pictures

With a heavy heart I post these pictures from our 1998 photo session in London.

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STEVE EARLE - GUITAR TOWN
30th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION [2 CD]
The new package has more of my original photographs and the music has been remastered from the original tapes.
Guitar Town was originally released, March 1986, we took all the photographs in '85, both in my studio and on Lower Broadway.
Steve is currently touring playing this classic album in it's entirety.
Also released this is October is STEVE EARLE AND THE DUKES - LIVE IN CHICAGO 1986 (also my cover)
Get the new GT30 T.Shirt featuring my picture.

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NOVEMBER 2
THE COW

More Barefoot Farmer pictures
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OCTOBER 25
JACK BRUCE
DIED TWO YEARS AGO - OCT 25th 2014
I photographed Jack and Mick Taylor during an interview with Bob Harris on the Old Grey Whistle Test - January 1975

I was the self appointed indie photographer for OGWT during the Bob Harris years (about 103 shows 1973-76)
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OCTOBER 21
BRAXTON DIXON
Designer and Builder
Braxton is one of the finest American builders and craftsman, who has built unique houses for Johnny Cash,
Roy Orbison, Marty Stuart and many more. Braxton built his first house at fourteen, he is now 95 and still working.

Behind great men there is often a great woman, Maryanna Dixon has been beside her husband for twenty five years, they are inseparable.

Hendersonville, Tennessee
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OCTOBER 20
Throwing back to a new record>>
FRANKIE MILLER’S - DOUBLE TAKE
After the hundreds of albums, I am fortunate to be able to give a little back.
FRANKIE MILLER’S new album DOUBLE TAKE features duets with: Elton John, Rod Stewart, Delbert McClinton,
Joe Walsh, Kid Rock, Willie Nelson and others.
I donated some photographs and filmed some interviews for the video documentary:
Buddy Cannon (Willie’s producer), Mickey Raphael (Willie - Harps), Delbert McClinton, Charlie Morgan (drummer),
Ralph Murphy (writer / BMI) and Brian Cadd (Australia) who destroys me with, “It’s a Long Way Home".
The DVD (60 mins), SENDING ME ANGELS documents the making of the album.

Scottish born, Frankie Miller’s career was tragically cut short at forty five, when he suffered a brain hemorrhage in '94,
spending five months in a coma. The 1999 BBC documentary, Stubborn Kinda Fella, featured Frankie and his battle to recover. Rod Stewart said that Miller "was the only white singer to have brought a tear" to his eye.

This album will help fund a medical facility. His friends have honoured Frankie by singing alongside his original vocals.
I have never met Frankie, only his music and some of his friends, I’ve listened to those songs, like, Darlin’.
The songs on DOUBLE TAKE will quench your heart with memories and hope.
A limited edition bundle offer is available exclusively from uDiscover’s store

Please note, this is not my album cover
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OCTOBER 19
SUNSET somewhere near Columbia, Tennessee
Following the light, I made a quick U-turn and found a farmer's field.

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OCTOBER 18
HORSE LOVE
Springfield, Tennessee

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OCTOBER 15 - 7:15 pm
ARIES FULL MOON

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OCTOBER 14
STEVE EARLE - GUITAR TOWN
30th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION [2 CD]
Released today.
The new package has more of my original photographs and the music has been remastered from the original tapes.
Guitar Town was originally released, March 1986, we took all the photographs in '85, both in my studio and on Lower Broadway.
This is a classic Nashville album. I am pleased to have been involved.

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OCTOBER 13
BRAVO BOB
Awarded Nobel Prize in Literature.
My picture is from Bob Fest, Madison Square Garden, New York City, 1992
I am a Bob Dylan fan and respect his body of work and have enjoyed his writing for years, other than just songs.
His prize for " Literature" falls between the cracks of the "category" thing. Dylan is indeed a great writer.
I have never cared much for prizes anyway, because they are often given to the right people for the wrong reasons.
Bob Dylan has written many great songs and lyrics with lines we can all quote at times.

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OCTOBER 10
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY JOHN PRINE
Here's a picture from my Broadway Studio, Nashville - circa 1988 or 9.
John is an American treasure, a troubadour of originality, a cult hero and always a lovely chap.

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OCTOBER 9
JOHN LENNON
was born this day, October 9th 1940.
I took this photograph at Club Dell'Aretusa, Kings Road, London - May 1968. John was on his first public date with Yoko.
He asked me to take some pictures, because I respected their privacy. George and Patti were there too. She is the woman in the hat.
Just a day in a life.
PEACE.

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OCTOBER 6
Flying Guitar Festival Exhibition
The festival opened with a well attended reception at the exhibit of my rock icon photographs in Varazdin, Croatia
My headline in Croatian: Fotografa rockera Alana Messera (Rock photographer Alan Messer).

GEORGE HARRISON + JOHN LENNON prints
mouse over to view

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OCTOBER 6
PROMO VIDEO
Some of my rock photographs are on exhibit at the Varazdin Flying Guitar Festival, Croatia, October 6 - 9th
Click link or picture to view

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OCTOBER 3
STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN
was born this day, October 3rd 1954.
He achieved much in his 35 years, left a legacy of music, but those who knew Stevie will forever miss the man
and we can dream of the music he would have made.
This photograph is from the 1989, In Step session in Austin, Texas.
I have more pictures and some prints for sale

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SEPTEMBER 29
THE "KILLER" JERRY LEE LEWIS IS 81 TODAY!
JOHNNY CASH + JERRY LEE LEWIS during rehearsal at the Johnny Cash Christmas Show - Opryland, Nashville - October 1977
This was my first meeting with Johnny and June. I was introduced by musical director, Bill Walker and was made welcome to take photographs.
Ten years later we met again and a friendship began and so did hundreds of photographs for two more decades.
Roy Clark is in the background and Earl Poole Ball.
Here's JERRY LEE doing WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' from the tv show.

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SEPTEMBER 24
BAREFOOT FARMER'S BIODYNAMIC CONFERENCE
They start 'em young and determined around here. Barefoot too!

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SEPTEMBER 21 / 9.17pm
CANCER BENEFIT
I attended yet another benefit at 3rd and Lindsley for a Nashville family who had lost their father, husband and friend to cancer.
BILL CARTER was a local club owner, he was only sixty.
The Nashville music community is a generous loving set of comrades pitching in to help raise funds for yet another family devastated by cancer.
America needs health care now. These fundraisers often save lives and make BigPharm even wealthier!
Today I had just visited a friend with cancer, encountered 4 more cancer situations, plus had been in this same room a week before for another benefit.
There is too much cancer; some are lost, others are fighting. It makes me very sad for these people and their families.

MIKE HENDERSON playing the Tribute to Billy Carter (a fundraiser for his family)
Bob Britt (in cancer recovery) also played, as did Johnny Few (cancer remission), Maura O'Connell
and Kentucky Thunder (Jonell Mosser, Etta Britt, Sheila Lawrence and Vickie Carrico).

Mike Henderson is a fabulous blues player. We have a long history, including Dead Reckoning Records (I was art director/ photographer).
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SEPTEMBER 21
JOHN D. LOUDERMILK dead at 82
Two years ago he attended the GEORGE HAMILTON IV Memorial Celebration at The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville - 9.24.14
George Hamilton V is leading him to the stage. Gail Davies and her son, Chris Scruggs are in the wings ready to pay tribute to their friend.

We first heard Loudermilk’s song TOBACCO ROAD in 1964 by the NASHVILLE TEENS, an English group from Weybridge and then by the ANIMALS.
Here is Loudermilk performing TOBACCO ROAD at the BBC in 1984

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SEPTEMBER 18
Editing film in my studio.
Currently working on hundreds of files for a documentary and my books between sessions and my photography exploits.
I am available for digital presentations prior to my retrospective.

Photograph by Christy Milliken
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SEPTEMBER 16
HARVEST MOON

Nashville
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SEPTEMBER 16

MARC BOLAN died 39 years ago when his car hit a tree in Barnes, London, September 16th 1977.
The quintessential "Glam" rocker was only 29.
Here is MARC playing a sold out T.REX show at the Sundown, Edmonton in front of screaming teenage girls on December 22nd 1972.
It was an amazing show and experience.

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SEPTEMBER 12
JOHNNY CASH
13 years gone.

John Cash died September 12th 2003
This photograph is from a session at John and June's home at 200 Caudill Drive, Hendersonville in 1987
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SEPTEMBER 12
Remembering GEORGE JONES born SEPT 12th 1931
This picture is from the Charlie Louvin sessions at Beech House Recording studio, Nashville - 3.27.05

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SEPTEMBER 11
GROUND ZERO - NYC
15 years ago I flew to London on an American flight, the next morning my mother calls me into the living room to see a plane that had hit a building
in New York. Millions of people watched the dramatic broadcast of the well timed second plane hitting the World Trade Center.
Something felt wrong about this, where was government intervention?
I returned to America a few weeks later, life had changed and at least American Airlines were more polite to me on the return voyage!
Most of the world watched the ensuing news broadcasts and read the reports. Many of us formed opinions about the disaster, no matter what,
we were all struck by the terrible loss of life that happened on September 11th 2001.

I used to live in Lower Manhattan, I saw the Towers every day from the studio window, but always thought there was danger there.
Once I went into the lobby, but did not stay, something felt wrong.
In August 2002 I returned to New York, the 911 Ground Zero site had been well documented, it seemed appropriate to go there now.
I put two rolls of film in my pocket and carried my less obtrusive Olympus Stylus pocket camera. I still did not want to be a photo-opportunist, but the taxi driver the evening before urged me to go there, so early next morning I got a cab to a nearby street and walked a few blocks to experience
the environment and my old neighbourhood.
I saw an apartment with the American flag draped over the balcony. Then at the site I see two workmen walking and talking, I followed them. Both looked at the site where the US flag flew and a make shift iron cross stood erected from wreckage. I felt their emotion that this is no ordinary job site.
Next I photographed a nearby church with the messages and pictures of lost loved ones, families and friends, the horror and sadness was cemented. Beyond the politics, it is about people.

It's about mothers and fathers, sons and brothers, sisters and daughters, friends, lovers, husbands and wives.
2,792 lives were lost, plus those who remain injured physically or emotionally. Those bereaved have to live the rest of their lives without.
What followed was a further loss of life, more war and more hatred.
The responders and people on the scene and the many stories of bravery and continued accounts of found objects maintain human spirit.
There are other world tragedies, every one could have been avoided. Every life is precious

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SEPTEMBER 7
CHARLIE McCOY
The great harp player at The Station Inn, Nashville.
Charlie McCoy is one of Nashville's top session players with an incredible musical history
who has played on some classic tracks, one of which was, Stone Fox Chase, that became the theme/ opening tune for
The Old Grey Whistle Test (the show I photographed for three years).

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SEPTEMBER 4
GOVERNMENT CHEESE
in an undisclosed location, taking a break from rehearsal for their only show of 2016
They will rock Nashville's, BASEMENT EAST - SAT SEPT 10

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SEPTEMBER 1
EMMYLOU HARRIS
playing a benefit for Louisiana flood victims at Nashville's Basement East.
Will Kimbrough - guitar, Bryan Owings - drums, Chris Donohue - bass

Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight / co-written by Rodney Crowell
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SEPTEMBER 1

STEVE EARLE posing with my Maccaferri during the GUITAR TOWN photo sessions.
GUITAR TOWN was released on MCA in 1986, a 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION is currently in production with more of my pictures.
It is a classic Nashville album and the record that brought Steve Earle to the foreground.
30 years later he is still making good music and pushing his artistic boundaries.

Soon to be re-released BAP KENNEDY - DOMESTIC BLUES an album Steve and Ray Kennedy co-produced (aka The Twangtrust).
Currently I am redesigning the LP which has been restored from the original masters.
Stand by for more news on both these releases, plus another live album by Steve from '86 (also with my pictures).

This is a new scan of a print I made in '86 for the album.
I bought this Maccaferri at Gruhn Guitars on Broadway, a few yards from where we shot the GUITAR TOWN cover and my studio at 209.
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MUSIC + PICTURES - DAY 59 / 8.28.16

ALABAMA  WASN'T THROUGH LOVIN' YOU YET
From their latest album, Southern Drawl
I shot the cover. They are the most successful country band and there is a good reason why!
They are the real deal.

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AUGUST 25 - 4:22 pm
NASHVILLE NATIONAL CEMETERY
This U.S. Military Cemetery was established, January 28th 1867, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad runs through it.
There are 12,769 listings for Civil War-era Union soldiers, 4,131 unknown soldiers. The 65.5 acre cemetery contains 33,258 interments.
Each was a person with a family. WAR!

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AUGUST 25
NASHVILLE - Mid 80's
I am editing old film. This is Polapan, an instant positive slide film made by Polaroid. The film has been discontinued.
During the 80's I was shooting a lot of film, mostly Kodak, hundreds of rolls a week.
Most of my sessions were album covers. I photographed Steve Earle's GUITAR TOWN on Lower Broadway in 1985. The LP was released in '86
The 30th Anniversary edition with more pictures will be released later this year.

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AUGUST 22
ALABAMA
at the opening of their exhibit at the Country Music Hall Of Fame, Nashville.
L-R: Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry + Jeff Cook.
I shot their latest album, Southern Drawl.

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AUGUST 18
MUSIC + PICTURES DAY 58
RICHARD + LINDA THOMPSON  A HEART NEEDS A HOME
Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC TV, Pres' B - Lime Grove, London - March 7th 1975
This photograph was used as the centre spread of a 2011 album released by Universal, UK - RICHARD THOMPSON - LIVE AT THE BBC.
I was never credited, due to an agency sale.
Universal just sent me the album. The video is from the Whistle Test broadcast

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AUGUST 7
DENNY LAINE
Phoenix Theatre, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Moody Blues and Wings is an ample resume.
Hearing those songs by an original band member is super fab and Steve Holley on drums also is superb
with a resume that includes: Joe Cocker, Elton John, Ian Hunter and Wings.

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AUGUST 6
NASHVILLE ART CRAWL

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REMEMBERING VERN GOSDIN, BORN AUGUST 5th 1934
Dubbed, THE VOICE, Vern would have been 82 today.
This picture was made in his home in Kingston Springs, Tennessee,1988.
My photography and/or design are on 15 Vern Gosdin albums.
Vern Gosdin left this world on April 28th 2009.

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REMEMBERING JIM CAPALDI, BORN AUGUST 2nd 1944
This is JIM playing with TRAFFIC on the Far From Home tour - Starwood Amphitheatre, Nashville - 1994
Jim was a fabulous drummer and a really lovely man. He smoked too much. We shared a few smokes at Steve Winwood's house (outside) after a dinner.
Steve said they were going to invite Paul and Linda, but decided to cook meat, so I and my brother Michael got to enjoy Jim and his wonderful company.
Jim Capaldi left this world on January 28th 2005.

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JULY 30
HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY BUDDY GUY
This picture is from a show at the Schermerhorn, Nashville, Tennessee - 6.29.15
An American original who knows what it's like to have nothing and respects the acceptance of his music. Love this man!

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JULY 23
Saturday Farmers Market - Richland Park
Organically grown locally by Bloomsbury Farm

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JULY 22
WEBB WILDER
In the Green Room about to take the stage with his band, The Beatnecks at the City Winery, Nashville

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JULY 17
SPOONER OLDHAM
The great SPOONER OLDHAM before playing in AMY BLACK'S, Muscle Shoals Revue at the City Winery, Nashville
Soulful wonderful man. Spooner is an American treasure.

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JULY 15
LINDA RONSTADT IS 70 TODAY
Let us remember Linda's music and performances, her voice is now silenced by Parkinson's.
This was a wonderful show at the New Victoria Theatre, London - November 13th 1976, recorded for the BBC's,
Old Grey Whistle Test (OGWT).
I stood in front of her mesmerised and she would often be looking right at me. I was a very shy 25 year old,
so I just kept taking pictures!

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JULY 14
LA MARSEILLAISE
Bastille Day, Nashville
Consule Honoraire de France, Amelie de Gaulle, leads the emotional rendition of the French National anthem
just hours after today's attack on Nice during a French National Day celebration at Little Gourmand, Nashville.

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JULY 13
ROGER McGUINN is 74 TODAY
A founding member of the BYRDS and an originator of the 'Jingle Jangle' guitar sound.
I photographed the reunited Byrds (Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, and Chris Hillman) during the Nashville sessions at Treasure Isle Recorders
for their 1990 "Boxed Set". They recorded six songs. McGuinn is also known for playing a Rickenbacker.

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JULY 9
Waxing Crescent MOON @ 28%

Franlin, Kentucky
Fuji XPRO2
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JULY 7
REMEMBERING CHARLI E LOUVIN
Born this day, July 7th 1927
I made this picture during a benefit for Charlie's medical expenses, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee - 10.30.10.
Alison Krauss played a wonderful set with her band. Charlie sat on the stage steps in awe snapping pictures with his camera.
He was a special man, one of a kind. They don't make them like that anymore!
Charlie Louvin died of cancer January 26th 2011, he was 83.

Bell Buckle, Tennessee
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JUNE 30 - 10:25 pm
JOHN OATES, ROLAND WHITE + JIM LAUDERDALE

I stopped by The Station Inn after the David Grisman/ Del McCoury show at the Ryman to see Jim Lauderdale and his Bluegrass Band.
Snapped this in the dressing room.
It was a Bluegrass night alright!

John Oates sang two songs with the band, Deep River Blues (Hall and Oates), co-written by John
+ Mississippi John Hurt’s, Here Am I, Oh Lord, Send Me.
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JUNE 30 - 9:35 pm
DAVID GRISMAN + DEL McCOURY
"Bluegrass Night" at The Ryman

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JUNE 28
NASHVILLE

Love Circle, Nashville - Sunset
Fuji X100S
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JUNE 25
KENTUCKY
There is a lot of GMO corn, miles and miles of it. It is not healthy for the environment or people.
This week I have driven through hundreds of miles of gorgeous Kentucky and Tennessee scenes, but polluted crops.
Cancer and obesity is high, wonder why?!

Simpson County, Kentucky
Fuji X-Pro2 / 55-200mm
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JUNE 25
MICHAEL JACKSON
I met MICHAEL JACKSON at the London Palladium on October 30th, 1972 when he was a thirteen year old boy singing with his brothers.
They performed: I Want You Back, ABC, Rockin Robin, We Thank You and The Love You Save, with young Michael taking the lead and he was quite sensational, even at rehearsals. Off stage he had a strong sense of independence and a youthful playfulness.
When BILLIE JEAN burst on the scene with the solo Michael Jackson ten years later he was absolutely amazing.
I cried tears of joy watching the televised performance and transformation.
But something went terribly wrong with the success and the young black face became strangely disfigured and as talented and continually musically
amazing as he was, his character seemed to be lost inside the iconic stardom. I never met him again, so things reported may differ from the real inside story, but Michael Jackson died this day, JUNE 25th 2009, he was only 50!

London, 1972
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JUNE 23
JUNE CARTER CASH
was born this day, June 23 1929

John and June's Jamaica home, Cinnamon Hill - January 1999
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JUNE 22
HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
This is a photograph of Kris and "The horse in black" from November 2003.

Bunetta Farm, Nashville
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JUNE 21
WAYNE JACKSON (Memphis Horns, trumpet) - DIES AT 74
Wayne was a lovely man with a musical history stretching back to his teens and Stax Records.
Here is a picture of WAYNE with his partner, Andrew Love (who died in 2012) in Memphis, May 1995.
WAYNE JACKSON lived a wonderful life and has left an amazing musical legacy.
The MEMPHIS HORNS played on 52 number one records and 83 gold and platinum records!
It was my honour and pleasure to have known this man briefly.

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JUNE 15
REMEMBERING WAYLON JENNINGS
born this day, June 15 1937 in Littlefield, Texas.
This is a picture of WAYLON + WILLIE at Chips Moman’s Studio, Nashville, 1985.
They were recording “Train To Texas” as per the sheet music, it may have been “Put Me On a Train Back to Texas”.
Chips, who died June 13th 2016, closed this studio and moved back to Memphis soon after.
Waylon had just bought a new Cadillac and was telling the story of the sale with cash, which he said he always wanted to do. I Got pictures too.
Waylon once told me at Chips studio: “You need to learn to speak proper, Hoss!”
Waylon died February 13 2002, he was 64. He was a unique, wonderful man and an American legend.

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JUNE 13
CHIPS MOMAN - R.I.P.
Legendary record producer and songwriter, CHIPS MOMAN dies at 79.
Renowned for his Memphis productions and later, The HIGHWAYMEN recordings, CHIPS MOMAN was a charismatic artist with an artist's crazy side.
I was Chips' art director/ photographer in the mid eighties when he formed a record company, TRIAD with two partners.
They were enjoyable times working together, regrettably it had been a long time since we communicated.
Chips once told me he had shot a fly with a BB gun in his house. He had many stories.
My sympathy and condolences to his family.
This photograph was taken late one night in a studio, circa 1984.

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JUNE 13
47 YEARS AGO
On this date, 47 years ago I photographed the ROLLING STONES at a press call in Hyde Park, London - June 13, 1969
to introduce Mick Taylor and promote their free concert on July 5. I was eighteen.

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JUNE 10
FRANKLIN HORSE FARM
I love this horse she is so pretty and has a lovely nature.

Franklin, Tennessee
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JUNE 10
Throwback Friday
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO COUNTRY
"Why don't you take a picture, it'll last longer"

I met Paul Reubens at the Minnie Pearl Tribute concert at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, 1995.
A really fun loving, observant and amiable man.
But I just couldn’t look at this quiet man without picturing Pee-Wee’s Play House...“shoe mirrors,” “Postman Pat” ... “Miss Evonne”
and “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” with Kris Kristofferson, Tiny and the pig.
Minnie Pearl (Mrs Sarah Cannon) was dying of cancer, so this was a tribute television show in her honour.
She was too ill to attend. My gift was a six foot high print of Minnie Pearl on the WSM Stage (1977).
Paul Reubens and myself had great fun backstage photographing “Country Stars” and music types alike, who all wanted to meet and pose
with Pee Wee. He was a hit of the back stage and on stage.

Minnie Pearl Tribute, The Opry, Nashville - 1995

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JUNE 5
DADDY
DAVE JACQUES - bass, WILL KIMBROUGH and TOMMY WOMACK - guitars/vocals

Dragon Park , Nashville
Fuji X-Pro2 / 55-200mm
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JUNE 2
RHYTHM ROCKERS BENEFIT FOR BOB BRITT
Nahville guitarist, Bob Britt is undergoing treatment for an aggressive cancer.
John Jackson reunited his RHYTHM ROCKERS to benefit Bob and Etta Britt for Bob's medical expenses.
We love Bob, it was a fantastic night of music. The Nashville music community is a strong a loving set of friends.
Best gig in town by far and for a good cause. Bob played a few songs. It rocked!
More pictures

3rd and Lindsley, Nashville.
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MAY 30
MEMORIAL DAY - USA
On May 1st 1865 former black slaves in Charleston, SC dug up 257 Union soldiers from a mass grave and reburied them
with a proper funeral in gratitude for the Union soldiers fighting for their freedom.
Memorial Day was established as a Federal holiday by Congress in 1971, formerly known as Decoration Day.
It's not about beer and burgers!

Photographed at Brush Creek, Smith County, Tennessee - May 1st.
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MAY 28
38th YEAR IN NASHVILLE

On MAY 28th 1978 (my Father’s sixtieth birthday) he drove me to London’s Gatwick Airport where I boarded a flight to Dallas, Ft Worth.
There I bought a white bicentennial Chevrolet Impala and drove it to Nashville where my new apartment on 16th Avenue (Music Row) awaited.
I had jobs lined up and set to work immediately.

The 80’s were boom years, I racked up hundreds of album covers, photographed many notable musicians in my studio,
won a Grammy (album packaging) and was probably shooting a session every day.

I was introduced to Johnny Cash in ’87 (we had met briefly in ’77) and a lifelong friendship and hundreds of photographs ensued.
I have been a professional photographer for 48 years. It can take a long time to be oneself. The past few years have been amazing.
I am shooting more pictures than ever. There is more to tell, but let’s save that for another day.

Today would have been my Father’s 98th birthday.


Photograph by Kathy McClintock, 1980

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MAY 26
PERSPECTIVE
Perspective is another way of seeing things.

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THURSDAY MAY 26
#TBT Flashback <<

This was MY FIRST MAGAZINE COVER / RECORD MIRROR - FEBRUARY 1968. (Published every Thursday)

I was sixteen and had been a professional since December 3rd 1967 working with Dezo Hoffmann as his assistant.
That lasted a few more months till Dezo's Record Mirror retainer ended and so did my employment. I went solo,
became a freelancer and have remained a self employed "freelance" photographer for forty eight years.
MANFRED MANN were on the cover promoting their new single, MIGHTY QUINN (Bob Dylan song).
The illustration is by Lon Goddard. We are still friends. The Record Mirror editorial staff were fabulous, led by editor Peter Jones (deceased),
who guided a teenager to be a real photographer. We are scattered across the universe, but still communicate.

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MAY 24
BOB DYLAN IS 75
Here’s a picture of JUNE CARTER, BOB DYLAN, CARLENE CARTER and JOHNNY CASH
from Dylan’s dressing room backstage at Madison Square Garden, NYC - October 16th 1992
“This is our friend Alan, you can trust him” said June to Dylan.
I got the now well known photograph of Johnny and Bob, then this one.
Bob Dylan used that photograph, plus some others of mine for the “30th Anniversary Concert Celebration” DVD + CD package.

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MAY 21
NASHVILLE MOONSCAPE
Mercury Retrograde ends tomorrow (May 22nd)
Let's get back to the groove!

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MAY 18
GUY CLARK
I am very moved by the Facebook reaction to my pictures of GUY CLARK. You honour him.
920+ Likes + 130+ Shares
NEW > Guy Clark page.

GUY CLARK was a luthier, avid smoker and a well known American singer/ songwriter.
I photographed Guy and JT Van Zandt building a guitar over several sessions, over a couple of years. This picture was November 13 2008

[ Low resolution scan of Kodak TMAX-3200 film negative / Nikon F100 ]
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MAY 17
GUY CLARK DEAD AT 74
GUY CLARK left this world this morning.
This is the last time I saw GUY, he was leaving Vanderbilt Critical Care, March 8th.
There was a little party going on; Old friends, Sam Bush, Jon Randall and JT Van Zandt were there. Mandolins and guitars were played,
songs sung and Guy was enjoying the company and music with his dear friends.

Let us celebrate a life lived to the full, the music, the guitars the smokes, the drinks, that imitable laugh and above all
the beauty of this remarkable American gentleman. Many of us have stories and our memories.

Guy Clark was a wonderful man, an artist who has left a legacy of songs and loved by all who knew him. R.I.P.
920+ Facebook Likes + 130+ Shares

mouse over .
(March 8th). Sam Bush, Jon Randall Stewart and JT Van Zandt sang and played. Music and friendships were Guy's life blood
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MAY 15
REMEMBERING JUNE CARTER CASH
who left this world May 15th, 2003
June had an amazing vitality and zest for life, an uncanny humour, wit, commitment to her art and always to her family.
This picture was made in Rosehall, Jamaica - January 1999

The morning was really quite special, but then so were most times with John and June. I was staying at their home, Cinnamon Hill, photographing June for her PRESS ON album.
June wanted to show me the Rose Hall graveyard and this particular grave held a family story that June told me on video. We made some pictures and shot some documentary video.
Johnny picked a bouquet of wild flowers for his wife. He did so most mornings in Jamaica, so the breakfast table on the porch always had fresh flowers.
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MAY 14
TONY BARROW DEAD AT 80
Tony Barrow, the Beatles former press officer, was probably the first publicist I worked with.
I always liked him and his professionalism. It has been many years since I have seen him. I think he was the press officer for NEMS;
I got to photograph some of his artists.
Here is a picture of 17 year old me at the Yellow Submarine press preview at Bowater House Cinema, Knightsbridge, London, July 8th 1968,
Tony Barrow is to my right in the picture. Of all the many pictures taken that day by the many photographers, I cherish this the most and remember laughing at Ringo's joke.
Another slice of music history has gone. R.I.P.
Photograph by Harry Myers / Rex-Shutterstock

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MAY 12
STEVE WINWOOD IS 68 TODAY
Fabulous musician and an English gentleman.

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MAY 10
"SUNSHINE SUPERMAN" DONOVAN IS 70 TODAY
Donovan celebrated at The London Palladium, May 6th, with a concert promoted by my brother David Messer / DMP UK
Featured on my MUSIC + PICTURES-DAY 52

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SUNDAY MAY 8
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
rocked The Ryman, Nashville's mother church of Country music on Mother's Day.
The set highlighted her famous repertoire and some new songs.
Lucinda's band is fabulous: David Sutton - bass / Butch Norton - drums / Stuart Mathis - guitar.
Tonight’s guests were: Buddy Miller and Jason Isbell who rocked their guitars for the encore on Joy. There was much joy and adulation in the Ryman tonight.

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MAY 3
JIMMY WEBB / THE GLEN CAMPBELL YEARS
celebrating his music and friendship with GLEN CAMPBELL + Glen's 80th Birthday
An amazing intimate show that brought tears, laughter and joy.

mouse over
City Winery, Nashville
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MAY 2
ALICE COOPER
is a hard working professional, an American icon and a gentleman.
His road manager of 30 years is the best. Thank you for the hospitality.

Backstage, TPAC, Nashville
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APRIL 30 - 7:13 AM
I planted this ROSE. This year it has the most blooms.
Flowers grown are a precious gift. Flowers can be bought, but hearts can not.

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APRIL 29
WILLIE NELSON IS 83 TODAY
American icon, Artist, Farmers friend, Compadre to many and always a lovely man.
This is Willie playing Trigger in Austin, 2005.

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APRIL 28
Remembering VERN GOSDIN
who died this day, April 28th 2009. Every Juke-Box in every country bar, diner or honky-tonk needs a Vern Gosdin song.
I have many photographs and memories, this picture is from Vern’s country home in Kingston Springs, Tennessee.
He was looking really good, enjoying life with his wife, Beverly.

Put a quarter in the jukebox and play a Vern Gosdin song.
He sang Country like it is supposed to sound with that heart-wrenching "Voice".

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APRIL 26
DUANE EDDY IS 78 TODAY
DEED + DUANE EDDY have been husband, wife and partners since 1969. Wonderful couple.
This picture is from September 2015, backstage at the Les Paul Tribute, in Nashville.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUANE!!!

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APRIL 26
REMEMBERING GEORGE JONES
who left this world three years ago, April 26th 2013.
This picture is from my first session with him for the YESTERDAY'S WINE album with Merle Haggard at CBS Records, Nashville, 1982.
Of the hundreds of album covers I have worked on, this is one of my favourite country albums,
recorded by two classic American originals.

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APRIL 24
NASHVILLE SUNDAY MORNING - 6.14am

Fuji X-PRO2 / X55-200 mm
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APRIL 21
MOON OVER NASHVILLE
after the rain

Fuji X-PRO2 / X55-200 mm
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APRIL 20
Franklin, Kentucky
Some days are magical.

Fuji X-PRO2 / 55-200 mm
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APRIL 16
Remembering DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
Dusty was born this day, April 16th 1939. She was a wonderful artist and always enjoyable to be around.
This photograph is Dusty rehearsing at BBC TV, Lime Grove for Dee Time with the Harry Rabinowitz orchestra, July or October 1968.
Harry Rabinowitz celebrated his 100th birthday on March 26th; Dusty died of breast cancer, March 2nd 1999, she was only 59.
(I was 17 when I made this picture)

There are so many fabulous Dusty songs. I first heard I ONLY WANT TO BE WITH YOU on my transistor radio as a teenager.
I am a big lover of Burt Bacharach songs. Having recently seen him in concert, here is a song he wrote with Hal David.
I think this was a male song, but Dusty makes it her own.
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APRIL 14
HAPPY 84th BIRTHDAY LORETTA LYNN
Loretta with her twins, Patsy and Peggy on the bus, Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

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APRIL 13
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY AL GREEN
I have photographed Reverend Green several times for gospel albums.
This picture is from a session at his church, Full Gospel Tabernacle, in Memphis (1986) for Interview Magazine.
The best concert I have seen him perform was at The Apollo in Harlem around 1990.

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APRIL 12
GIB GUILBEAU DEAD AT 78
Gib was a Cajun and Country Rock fiddle player. He joined a newer version of The Flying Burrito Brothers from 1968-1975.
A newer group became the “Burrito Brothers” in the 80’s (I shot an album cover), and then as the Flying Burrito Brothers again throughout the 90’s.
"It’s complicated"!
Gib Guilbeau was a lovely man, respected and loved by all.
This picture is from Palmdale, California,1997 - The Flying Burritos - ‘California Jukebox’ - session.
R.I.P.

mouse over
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APRIL 10
JESSE "Guitar" TAYLOR would have been 66 today.
My brother from another was one year and one day older. He left this world on March 7th 2006.
Jesse Taylor was one of the kindest, well read, wisest gentle giants, packaged into one powerhouse West Texas guitar-slinger, shit kicker, one could ever have the pleasure to meet.
He would phone me just before midnight on the 9th to wish me happy birthday, then laugh that now I have to wish him happy birthday.
Jesse "Guitar" Taylor played it his way, loud and proud.
He was a big man with a heart the size of Texas, a multitude of friends and many great stories.
His guitar volume knob was a gamblers dice and was always turned up high.

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APRIL 9
I am overwhelmed by the hundreds of LIKES and COMMENTS on my Facebook page.
Thank you one and all.

Photograph by Renée Monrose - NYC
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APRIL 9

This morning I parked in an available spot at Franklin Farmers Market
I brought my wonderful organic vegetables and strawberries back to the car and noticed I was parked in bay 65!
So I took this picture.
Two weeks ago, "when I was 64", I parked randomly in bay 64.
The good fortunes of luck and perception feed my photography. Please stay tuned for my new projects.
Officially I am at retirement age, but an artist doesn't do that, we keep working, keep creating new visions. I love photography and am enthused by my new cameras
and the ever changing light, people, animals, music and scenes. There are many hikes ahead. I am passionate about what I do and the future.
I suppose I can now drive on I-65 (It's a Nashville / Kentucky thing!)
AND A BIG SHOUT OUT to my fellow ARIES friends with birthdays this week.

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MERLE HAGGARD
My pictures have been used on these albums and records:

BACK TO THE BARROOMS - (MCA, 1980)
A TASTE OF YESTERDAY'S WINE (with George Jones) - (CBS/Sony, 1982)
C.C. WATERBACK (with George Jones) - picture disc 45 single - (CBS/Sony, 1982)
A TRIBUTE TO (with George Jones) - (Heartland, 1984)
GREATEST HITS OF THE 80’s’ - (CBS/Sony, 1990) photo-silkscreen
THE ESSENTIAL MERLE HAGGARD: The Epic Years (Epic/Legacy, 2004)
THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION - (HIP-O/UMG, 2007)

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APRIL 7

The last time I photographed MERLE HAGGARD was in Nashville on August 26th 2014

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APRIL 6
MERLE HAGGARD DIES ON 79th BIRTHDAY
I first photographed Merle Haggard rehearsing at Wembley in 1977, I was completely blown away by his soulful music.
I have had the opportunity to work with him a few times over the years. He never lost his soul, a true musician to the very end.
Today we lost an American icon.
My sympathy and condolences to the Haggard family.

The last time I saw MERLE HAGGARD perform was at The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville - August 26 2014
Last night watching Ricky Skaggs and Ry, I thought about this concert and wanted to take a similar picture for history's sake. (Ironic)

Fuji X-100T
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APRIL 5
RICKY SKAGGS   SHARON WHITE   RY COODER
played The Ryman, Nashville
Fabulous show. The blend of Ricky Skaggs and Ry Cooder is made in heaven. Ricky looks amazing, full of vitality and playing better than ever.

Fuji X-100T
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APRIL 5
New ad donation for AGE UK EXETER (England)
www.ageukexeter.org.uk
"Making a difference every day to the lives of older people."

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APRIL 4
DAVE HILL of SLADE is 70 TODAY!
MUSIC + PICTURES DAY 54
SLADE'S  CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE was released, February 23rd 1973
I loved this band. I worked with Slade several times. Great people and the music rocked!
I shot this picture backstage at The NME Poll Concert, Empire Pool, Wembley - March 25th 1973

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APRIL 2
AMISH AUCTION
Southern Kentucky Horse Drawn Machinery Consignment Auction - Scottsville, Kentucky.

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APRIL 2
JEFF POPPEN Barefoot Farmer
Southern Kentucky Horse Drawn Machinery Consignment Auction - Scottsville, Kentucky.

Fuji X-PRO2 / 23mm
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APRIL 1
SPRING AT CHEEKWOOD

all Fuji X-PRO2 / 55-200 mm
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APRIL 1
Today is the one year anniversary of Government Cheese THE LATE SHOW (released April 1 2015)
I did the album photography and posed for this!

© photograph by Scott Willis
with my Fuji X-PRO2 / 23mm
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MUSIC + PICTURES - DAY 52

DONOVAN  SUNSHINE SUPERMAN
Donovan recorded the Sunshine Superman album in 1965, he was 19.
He is considered a pioneer of the Psychedelic Revolution, who may have influenced his friends the Beatles, Sgt. Pepper’s album,
recorded a year later.
Donovan is about to celebrate 50 years in the business when he turns 70 on May 10th.
My brother David (DMP) is promoting a celebration show at the London Palladium on May 6th.
This picture is in the “Green Room” at BBC TV, Lime Grove, London - June 1968,
Donovan was appearing on “Dee Time”, a weekly chat/ music show that I photographed for a couple of years.

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MARCH 27
EASTER
I have photographed this floral cross most years for about a decade. This year they moved the cross to the other side of the driveway
and I photographed it with my new camera. Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes!

Glen Leven Church - Nashville
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MARCH 26
Franklin Farmers Market - 8.50 am
64 is a favourite number. 64 was my number at boarding school.
I parked at the farmers market and then noticed I was in slot 64. I am 64 for twelve more days.
Thank you to my farmer friends for the fabulous food and their hard work.

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MARCH 25

SIR ELTON HERCULES JOHN IS 69 TODAY
This is Elton at the Revolution Club, London on his 21st birthday, March 25th 1968.

Elton performed two songs at a lunchtime press call. Many were just there for the beer, but Elton garnered an encore.
The two songs were, TAKE ME TO THE PILOT + YOUR SONG.
Elton is from Pinner, Middlesex, we both grew up in the same area, although my brothers had met him on the local scene, this was my first encounter. I was 17.
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MARCH 24
<< Throwing it back to 1968
DAVY JONES + DUANE EDDY
BBC TV, Lime Grove, London - June 1968

I was the resident photographer for DEE TIME. Also on the show that week was Donovan. I am not sure if Davy Jones was on the show or he just came to see
Duane Eddy . This was taken behind the studio.
Duane played a wild rock 'n' roll show with Bill Haley one month before on May 1st. I was there on stage covering the wildness.
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MARCH 24
<< Throwing it back to 1968
DONOVAN + DUANE EDDY
BBC TV, Lime Grove, London - June 1968

This was taken behind the TV studio after the broadcast
Duane played a wild rock 'n' roll show with Bill Haley one month before on May 1st. I was there on stage covering the wildness.
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JIMMY ABEGG
PHOTOGRAPHER/ ARTIST/ MUSICIAN + JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration.
It is sad to watch a friend lose his sight, it's even more difficult to watch him lose many of the ways he provides for his family.
Jimmy can no longer practice photography or graphic design. He can no longer drive his old truck or read without a magnifying glass.
His condition will not render him totally blind. He can still see light, shapes and colours, which means he can still make his beautiful art.
He can not drive to his studio, so his friends are donating to build him a home studio.

Please DONATE to Build Jimmy's Lighthouse studio: http://jimmyabegg.com/pages/build-blind-jimmys-lighthouse

Fundraiser - Third Man Records, Nashville
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MARCH 11
KEITH EMERSON - DEAD at 71
Last night I was speaking about photographing ELP’s ‘Pictures At An Exhibition’ concert.
(We are all connected)

[April 1974] I get to do a session with Keith, he wanted to make a good picture, so I hopped on the back of his Norton (not dressed for a bike ride, camera bag, cameras)
and off we zoomed around London to take a series of photographs.
I loved Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Another piece of life's puzzle just fell off the board.
R.I.P.
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MARCH 10
BURT BACHARACH
Another Fabulous concert.
The catalogue of songs by this 87 year old American treasure is astounding.
He performed with the Nashville Symphony and some singers. Some of those songs are my life’s soundtrack by classic performers:
ANYONE WHO HAD A HEART, MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF, I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF, A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME,
THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU, ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO REMIND ME.

This rocks >> Jack White / The WHITE STRIPES > I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF
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SIR GEORGE MARTIN R.I.P.

It's all been written, it's all been said, but what a legacy.
George Martin orchestrated this baby-boomer's early life. I bought only Beatle records for my first record player.
George Martin's music production will live on forever with his unique contribution to modern music.
A life well lived and recorded and always a charming English gentleman.

GEORGE MARTIN speaking at "Sound and Vision" - Abbey Road Studios, London - February 25th 2010
This is an annual fund raiser event to benefit Cancer Care UK
My donation for 2010 were two prints, one was my photograph of, John Lennon and George Harrison.
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MARCH 8
JOHN MAYALL
The "Grandfather Of The Blues" is 82 years young doing what he loves to do.
Fabulous opening night of the US tour. This band rocks.

City Winery, Nashville
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TUESDAY MARCH 8
Today has been quite a day.

I snapped this picture this morning walking to the hospital to see GUY CLARK before he left Critical Care.
JT Van Zandt flew up from Austin, bringing an acoustic guitar that he and Guy had co-built. When I arrived the Critical Care room was rocking with Sam Bush
and Randall Stewart singing and playing guitars and mandolin. Guy's eyes were smiling, his face aglow, he sported a Carter Vintage Guitars T shirt and some cool yellow shoes.
JT sang his father's song, If I Needed You, playing the hand made acoustic.

Later this evening I met John Mayall and photographed his amazing concert at Nashville's City Winery. He is 82 and rocking the blues set. What a band.
And then I read the news about George Martin's death.
I will post some pictures, but not tonight. As a departed friend used to say, "we made history today".
Some history was recorded by my camera, mostly it was a day of friends and fellowship in the river of life, with artists doing what they do in Nashville.

Carpe Diem.

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MARCH 7
FEELS LIKE SPRING TO ME
One week till Spring Equinox.

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JESSE "Guitar" TAYLOR died 10 years ago on March 7th 2006
Jesse was one of the kindest most loved men one could ever have the pleasure to meet.
He was a well read, wise gentle giant, packaged into one powerhouse West Texas, guitar-slinger, shit kicker. His volume knob was a gamblers dice, always turned up high.
He was my brother from another, one year and one day older. Jesse Hercules Taylor was one of a kind. An American original who played life his way.

I met Jesse in 1977 during a photo session with Joe Ely, while they were recording 'Honky Tonk Masquerade' at Chip Young’s, Young 'Un Sound Studio in Murfreesboro (near Nashville)
I would see Jesse perform with the Ely band at London's Dingwall's several times prior to my move to Nashville in 1978.

In 1991 my brother, Michael Messer recorded an album, 'Rhythm Oil, the Sessions' with two other musicians, Terry Clarke and Jesse "Guitar" Taylor.
I photographed and designed the album/CD cover (Johnny Cash wrote the sleeve notes).
The Rhythm Oil band toured the UK in 1993, with me on percussion and video camera! Jesse and I became good friends after the tour he invited me to stay at his home in Austin,
Texas , where he introduced me to his dear friend, Stubbs, a life changing experience for which I shall be ever grateful.
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MARCH 4
VIKTOR KRAUSS - The Studio, Nashville
Fabulous concert with the Gypsy Hombres. Viktor is one of my favourite bass players.
He has played with, Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell, Jerry Douglas and scores of others.
His original improvisational music takes you on a mind journey that soothes the spirit and leaves you wanting more.

With: Robert Crawford - drums +Todd Lombardo - guitar
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MARCH 2
DAVE STEWART
"Would I Lie To You?"

L-R: Dan Dugmore - guitar / Dave / Kenny Greenberg (hidden)
The Basement East, Nashville
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FEBRUARY 28
PERCY WARNER PARK
On a beautiful sunny Nashville Sunday

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FEBRUARY 26
JOHNNY CASH was born on this day in 1932
One of my many sessions with John. This one was in the streets of New York, 1988.
John Cash was a man of great humour and fun. We have his music, but we still miss the man.

More CASH on> MUSIC + PICTURES - Day 51

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FEBRUARY 26
JOHNNY CASH was born on this day in 1932
I drove out to Hendersonville (Tennessee) on a beautiful sunny day to get my cameras cleaned and some repaired.
As I had to wait a few minutes I took a drive on Johnny Cash Parkway and saw people standing by Johnny and June's graves.
I had another Nikon and my iPhone. The light was magical. The flowers and messages heartwarming. I snapped a few pictures and returned to Forest Camera Repair.
I showed Wendy a few pictures and she said that Johnny had brought a camera in for repair once with his assistant, Hugh Waddell.
Then I remembered having recommended her. Wendy said that Johnny was really nice and talked cameras (she has a display of old cameras).
I said it would have been his 84th birthday today. Wendy said it was her birthday today too. How serendipitous.
Some days are magical.

iPhone - TinType

" Happiness is being at peace, being with loved ones, being comfortable....
But most of all, it’s having those loved ones. ” - Johnny Cash

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FEBRUARY 25
GEORGE HARRISON would have been 73 today
2 icons and friends with birthdays 1 day apart. GEORGE HARRISON was born February 25th 1943. Johnny Cash was born February 26th 1932.
So pleased I had the opportunity to meet and work with both of these wonderful men.

JOHNNY CASH + GEORGE HARRISON - Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration - Madison Square Garden, New York- October 16, 1992
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FEBRUARY 22
JOHN HAMMOND
Always a pleasure to see the great JOHN HAMMOND.
Tonight he played the City Winery, Nashville . We shared a few stories of past times and people, then John played an amazing set of the classic blues
and told stories of the greats he has known. What a lovely gracious (bad-ass) fellow he is.

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FEBRUARY 22
SONNY JAMES dies at 87
In 1989 I was commissioned by CBS Records, Nashville to design and produce silkscreen prints for their American Originals series,
one of those albums was SONNY JAMES, dubbed "The Country Gentleman". who died today aged 87.
R.I.P.
One of the songs on this compilation:  IS IT WRONG FOR LOVING YOU

FEBRUARY 22
Wild Garlic
This is very small and super yummy, about the size of a blade of grass.
I ate the whole thing with the roots. Really good with some local goat cheese (Noble Springs Dairy).
The garlic is from Little Spring Creek Farm, picked by the farmer's young daughter. She sold it to me for a dollar and a lovely smile.

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FEBRUARY 20
SUE FOLEY
New photo session for upcoming album
Sue rocks the blues guitar, is a fine musician and dear friend.
This is a promotional photograph.

February 2016
Sketch of me by Terri Miller Sneed

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#TBT - FEBRUARY 18
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

THE DIRT BAND are celebrating their 50th year.
"Plain Dirt Fashion" photo session at my old Nashville studio, 1984.
Singer/ guitarist, Jeff Hanna and drummer, Jimmie Fadden are original members.

FEBRUARY 15
GRAMMY 1988
I won a GRAMMY once. Got "Album Package Of The Year" with my photo-silkscreen of a country duo, THE O'KANES.
I shared the Grammy with art director, Bill Johnson (deceased).
It was similar to winning a Gold Star at kindergarten. Fruitless, although an elation at the time.
A doorman took this picture with my camera.

Bill Johnson was a dear friend and the art director at CBS / Nashville, which became Sony.
We worked on dozens of albums together. Bill was an artist, he had been a notable designer with Rolling Stone in the early days.
I have been fortunate to work with a select few tough art directors and picture editors that have helped shape my career
and professional eye. Bill Johnson was a delightful man and friend, but a keen task master in the office.
He pushed my "art" button to produce this piece and that is the mark of a good art director.
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VALENTINE'S DAY
From my home

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FEBRUARY 11
THE SMOKING FLOWERS
The Family Wash, East Nashville

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FEBRUARY 10
TENNESSEE STATE CAPITOL
Who's been tobogganing: children, adults, politicians, aliens?

Nashville

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FEBRUARY 9

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BOB MARLEY would have been 71 today - 2.6.16
His music and legend lives on.
(this picture is from The Old Grey Whistle Test, 1973)

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February 4

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FEBRUARY 3
THE RYMAN

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FEBRUARY 3
JACK PEARSON
Another great night of music at Jack's monthly residency at The Station Inn

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Photo session for upcoming album.

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JANUARY 29
SONS OF ZEVON PRESENT 1974
3rd and Lindsley, Nashville

more pictures
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January 27
JIM ROONEY CELEBRATES 78th BIRTHDAY