LOS ANGELES (OCT. 22, 2024) – The GRAMMY Museum® announces new solo exhibit, RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped , showcasing the extraordinary work of acclaimed rock photographer Jay Blakesberg. The captivating exhibit, shot only on film, explores three decades of landmark moments in music history, spanning from 1978 to 2008, concluding when Blakesberg switched to full time digital. The exhibit opens on Nov. 8 and will be on display through Jun. 15, 2025.
Growing up in New Jersey, a young Blakesberg developed a profound passion for the Grateful Dead and music photography, igniting a lifelong journey of capturing the essence of the artists who create the music we all love, from rock and grunge to hip-hop, psychedelic, folk, blues, and beyond. RetroBlakesberg invites visitors to step into a visual narrative that chronicles the sounds, scenes and stories that have shaped popular music.
Exhibit highlights:
- 150 striking film photographs featuring an eclectic mix of artists, including Björk, Tracy Chapman, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Nirvana, Radiohead, Tom Waits, and Neil Young.
- 20 mesmerizing “blue” portraits that showcase musicians including Green Day, Ice-T, The Flaming Lips, and Joni Mitchell created by Blakesberg deliberately choosing the “wrong film” for the “wrong light.”
- A rich exploration of the Grateful Dead and the band’s vibrant psychedelic scene, a central theme in Blakesberg’s body of work, reflecting his lifelong dedication as a devoted “Dead Head.”
The exhibit is curated by Ricki and Jay Blakesberg alongside Jasen Emmons, Chief Curator and VP of Curatorial Affairs at the GRAMMY Museum.
