Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present

For the first time as a major museum exhibition, the story of rock and roll is being told from the perspective of the men and women who not only chronicled the genre, but defined it comprehensively - the photographers. Acknowledging both their creative and collaborative role in the history of rock music, the exhibition features 163 works of photography and eight videos by over 100 photograhers and videographers including Richard Avedon, Anton Corbijn, Diane Arbus, Annie Leibovitz and many others. Organized by the Brooklyn Museum of Art with guest curator Gail Buckland, Who Shot Rock & Roll is broken into six sections: rare and revealing images taken behind the scenes; tender snapshots of young musicians at the beginnings of their careers; exhilarating photographs of live performances that display the energy, passion, style and sex appeal of the band on stage; powerful images of the crowds and fans that are often evocative of historic paintings; portraits revealing the soul and creativity, rather than the surface and celebrity, of the musicians; and conceptual images and album covers highlighting the collaborative efforts between the image makers and musicians. Also featured in the exhibition, courtesy of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, are five costumes worn by Phil Spector, Elton John, Tina Turner, Fred Schneider and Madonna. Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present is organized by the Brooklyn Museum with guest curator Gail Buckland. Its presentation in Akron is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Adam Fund of Akron Community Foundation with additional funding from the Thomas & Lisa Mandel Fund of the Morton and Barbara Mandel Family Foundation, WAKR/WONE, Scene Magazine and House of LaRose.