“Becoming Bob Dylan: Photographs by Ted Russell 1961–1964,” an exhibition of rare images from Bob Dylan’s early years in New York City, opens April 26. Ted Russell’s photographs offer an important view into Bob Dylan’s life during the pivotal years of 1961 through 1964, when the artist was just establishing himself as a songwriter and performer in the vibrant folk music scene of New York’s Greenwich Village. Among the photographs to be displayed are candid images of Dylan performing one of his earliest shows, in the company of his girlfriend Suze Rotolo, in his first New York apartment, receiving his first public award (in the company of James Baldwin) and rare photographs of Dylan writing some of his earliest songs.
“This collection of photographs documents Dylan’s first years as a musical artist and offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the side of Bob Dylan that has escaped the often-mysterious lore and history that surrounds the genius that we know and love. Bob Dylan, a bohemian poet, would become the most original and influential songwriter of our time. We are enriched by this portrait of the artist as a young man,” said Founder and Director of Govinda Gallery in Washington, DC, and curator of the exhibition Chris Murray.
Ted Russell is a renowned photographer and one of the few remaining from the legendary group of shooters who worked for LIFE magazine in the 50s and 60s. He has captured iconic images of Marilyn Monroe, Malcolm X, John Coltrane, President John F. Kennedy, Peggy Lee, Indira Gandhi, Norman Mailer, Robert Kennedy and many more luminaries. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Rolling Stone, The Financial Times, LIFE and Time.
“We are thrilled to bring Ted Russell’s remarkable photographs to the Bob Dylan Center,” said Steve Jenkins. “This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see Bob Dylan through the eyes of an immensely talented and respected photographer alongside related artifacts from the Bob Dylan Archive®.”
Ahead of the exhibition’s public opening, Bob Dylan Center members will have exclusive access to “Becoming Bob Dylan” during a private event on April 25 that will feature a conversation with Murray. Become a member today for access to more of these exclusive events HERE.
