Regan is kind, soft-spoken and modest yet proud of his work. Ken Regan is simply a fan who happens to be a great photographer. He’s worked professionally since the 1960s, thanks to the intervention of Bill Graham: “The PT Barnum of Rock & Roll promoters.”
Dylan and Regan hit it off. “He gave me complete, unlimited access for every minute he was awake.” The shots cover a gamut of ground. Dylan at a nameless convenience store, reading a paper. Rubbing elbows w/ Muhammad Ali or the Rolling Stones. An especially warm shot is of Bob sitting on a staircase, sharing a smile with Patti Smith.
The musician and his photographer were on the same page—to the point that their mutually favorite shot – Dylan wearing his hat and scarf, looking over his shoulder, staring right through you. The shot was so good, it stayed in storage for decades, waiting for the opportune moment to let it shine. The picture was finally released as the cover for the CD release from the recorded tour, Rolling Thunder. Now, the timeless shot is synonymous with Bob Dylan and iconic photography.
The premiere at Morrison Hotel Gallery quickly filled to standing room only. Music lovers, Soho So-hipsters and photographers linger about the room. Fans of Dylan know their stuff. Said WFUV DJ Eric Holland, “[Highway 61] has got some of his best wit, tied to some of his sharpest imagery. There’s like ten essential Bob Dylan albums, but you can start there.
The room was abuzz with praise both for the photos and the subject. “That’s cool,” said one woman. “I bet there’s a great story behind that shot.”
31 years later, Regan is still on top form, and happy to talk to fans. He walked with giants and kept their pace. Nicely done, Mr. Regan. Nicely done.
The exhibition folio is a limited release, so do visit their website to see samples and place your order.
You might also be interested in this: Legendary rock ‘n’ roll photographer Ken Regan talks about his extraordinary new career retrospective collection, “All Access,” in a candid, hour-long radio interview with Mr. Media: http://www.mrmedia.com/?p=2618. Regan tells stories about The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bill Graham, Madonna and being in a backstage dressing room the first time Dylan met Bruce Springsteen! (Also available as a narrated video.)