Nashville Portraits: Legends of Country Music

By: Jim McGuire

Book Overview

Jim McGuire s photographs have graced the covers of more than 400 albums and CDs over the past thirty years. Most of the big recording stars insist on using McGuire: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Doc... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599211688
• ISBN13: 9781599211688
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 2.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 10.3" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Nashville in Black and White with Many Shades of Gray

Born in New Jersey, Jim McGuire first heard country singer Hank Snow in 1953. And in the photographer's own words: "Discovering country music changed my life in ways I couldn't have imagined." And I for one am glad. Mr. Mcguire became a photographer while in the U. S. Air Force, photographing troop buildup in Vietnam. After being discharged from the military, he went to New York and came under the influence of the likes of Richard Avedon and Irving Penn (one of the two individuals to whom this book is dedicated) and eventually moved to Nashville in 1972 where he has photographed the musicians for over 500 album covers, some of which you will recognize from this collection of 60 plus images, all in black and white and all save one (the shot of Emmylou Harris) with the subjects posed before a hand-painted canvas background. Although this collection is subtitled "Legends of Country Music," I would argue that that statement is not entirely correct. For instance, I'm not sure how you can possibly classify Carole King as a country music or bluegrass (expanding the definition) singer. Other artists included come to mind as well although this is certainly a minor quibble. These portraits are all both beautifully lit and printed with many nuances of gray, the mark of a fine black and white photograph; and Mr. McGuire shows tremendous creativity in that no two portraits are similar. Had he shot each artist completely alike, however, that would not make him a bad photographer. One of his influences, Richard Avedon, has published book after book of subjects, for instance, looking straight into the camera in front of a totally white background. Each of the 60 photographs in this book that came about from a traveling exhibit organized by the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Georgia-- Kevin Grogan, the director of that museum, wrote a Foreward for this collection-- takes up a complete page of the book. On the opposite page are included the year the artist was born and died, if he or she is deceased, the date Mr. McGuire took the photograph and comments about the subject. Most of the photographs I found most interesting are of my favorite artists with some exceptions. My least favorite photograph of someone I adore is that of Dolly Parton taken in 1974 when she was all of 28. She is chunky and wearing a very bad country wig. Now in her early 60's, today she is much more beautiful and svelte. If he hasn't already done so, Mr. McGuire should give her another chance to sit for him. The collection opens with country legend Ralph Stanley looking humbly regal. The great film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" made him famous outside country music circles. I maintain that you would know immediately that Dave Dudley ("Six Days on the Road") has driven trucks. A wonderful photograph. Tammy Wynette looks so beautiful. Far too soon she left us. It is no wonder that George Jones, one of her several husbands, said, upon hearing her for the first time sing "Apartment #9" that

Just Phenomenal!!!

This is a "don't miss" book of the best portraiture of the Legends of Country Music in existence. Long treasured by Musicians for his talent behind the lens, Jim McGuire has put together an inspiring book of beauty as well as memories.

Country Music Legends

Nashville Portraits: Legends of Country Music This was a gift for my musician/songwriter son and he loved it! Pictures and commentary are outstanding!!!! Based on reaction of Skip Heller (Homegoing, Couch Los Angeles, etc.) I would highly recommend this book.