The Rolling Stone Years [Hardcover]

Baron Wolman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

The Rolling Stone Years features the work of Baron Wolman, the first photographer to work for America’s legendary Rolling Stone magazine, many of whose images from the late sixties and early seventies have become iconic shots from rock’s most fertile era. Alongside scores of classic photos is Baron’s first-hand account of the magazine’s early years and his memorable encounters with the rock stars of the day.

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Baron Wolman was the first ever photographer for Rolling Stone magazine. During his three year tenure at the magazine he photographed some of the biggest names in music. Since leaving Rolling Stone in 1970 he has photographed authors, actors and sportsmen. A qualified pilot, he has also published two collections of aerial photography and continues to exhibit his work around the world today.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Vision On (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1847727409
• ISBN-13: 978-1847727404
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 0.9 x 12.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Photojournalism

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It belongs in any collection August 29, 2011

By MackdaddyCope

Format:Hardcover

I recently ordered this directly through Baron's site...I wanted it autographed. I also purchased two others for friends of mine I know would appreciate it too. They did. Baron signed the book and they were sent immediately so I'm sure purchasing through Amazon will have the same effect. As it goes for books related to photographs of iconic figures in rock and roll history, believe me when I say I know what I'm talking about. I work around images like this every day, taken by the greatest some of the greatest photographers of musicians in both the past and present. Baron's work here is truly incredible and worthy of any gallery. If you're a fan of music, you're going to love the journey this book takes you on, back, back, back to the truly great artists in music history. Oh, and if you're a Jimi Hendrix fan, check out this book as well. Not just a biography about Hendrix, but a historical account of the evolution of rock and roll from Seattle to London and all points in between. A great, great, great read in my opinion. (Book title: Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Cross)

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An insider's look at 60's Rock and Roll July 18, 2011

By John A. Sanders

Format:Hardcover

If you love Rock & Roll, Baron Wolman's incredible chronicle of his days as the first photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine is a MUST. Of course, Baron's amazing photos of some of Rock's icons from the 60's are pure eye-candy: Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Stones, the Dead, Woodstock, even the groupies who followed Rock stars around the country. If you only buy it for the photographs, your money will be well spent. But if you just look at the pictures, you're missing out on an amazing piece of Rock history.

Wolman's text to this compendium is truly insightful and inspiring. He introduces you to the behind-the-scenes life of Rock's legends and the concerts they performed (these were the days when photographers had unparalleled access to the musicians they shot). Moreover, Baron shares his insights on the world of Rock, and the brilliant, yet sometimes flawed characters that inhabited that world. He does so with a clear mind, and without the ego that most in his envious position often possess. This is the story of a truly talented photographer, doing his job, and taking advantage of an awesome opportunity to document the history of my generation. LOVED IT!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have book August 2, 2011

By In The Loupe

Format:Hardcover

*I think this is the best pro review so far of the book [...] You can't even believe how many top photos are in this book, then you realize there's also all the stories behind them. Baron Wolman clearly recalls many adventures. My faves include when Pete Townshend suggested he and Baron go visit Mick Jagger on the set of Performance, just for a laugh; and Janis Joplin performing a personal concert for Baron in his studio; he's at Newport Jazz Festival when they're landing on the moon and recalls a moving little moment with his friend Jim Marshall. Also he talks about how Rolling Stone magazine even got started. Amazing photos, and compelling stories. Baron shot so many of the hottest acts in the late 60s and early 70s there's something in the book for everyone I reckon.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A National Treasure August 23, 2011

By ADAMGOOD Photographer

Format:Hardcover

A great book of photographs that includes the story behind the picture.
Baron was the first Chief Photographer for Rolling Stone magazine, so he had
access to all the greats...Joplin, Garcia, Hendrix, Morrison, Rolling Stones
and Led Zeppelin.
Baron's work is recognized from the covers of Rolling Stone magazine and from
various album covers.

Currently on a world tour, I would recommend checking out Baron's website to see
if he will be near your town. In person, he is a real down to earth, nice guy
to talk to about these photos.

You'll have to read the book to find out how Baron got Frank Zappa on a tractor.

ADAMGOOD Photographer.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The photographs alone would make this a five-star, but this book offers so much more! August 19, 2011

By Rosie McGee, Photographer

Format:Hardcover

What a treat this book is! You've seen many of these photographs before, but may not have known who took them. When you see them all together in one book, you'll appreciate the incredible talent of Baron Wolman.

As the text of the book begins, "Baron Was There." Well, folks, he was way more than just there - posing as a simple, mild-mannered photojournalist who was, "...working for anybody who would pay me to take pictures....." he became Rolling Stone Magazine's first Chief Photographer when Jann Wenner started the magazine in 1967. From that deceptively casual beginning, Baron went on to take gorgeous, insightful, and although I hate the word for its over-use... iconic photos of many of our most important musical heroes and the events of those times.

Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, The Kingston Trio, Eric Burdon, the Grateful Dead, Sonny Rollins, the Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, Muddy Waters .... it would have been enough to have just captured photos of that diverse a range of individuals; but Baron's photographs have so much presence, soul and in some cases, humor, they're truly one-of-a-kind views of these often-photographed people.

As a photographer myself, I especially appreciate the attention to quality that went into the design and printing of this book. It is gorgeous!

Finally, but by no means least, there are the stories and general text that tie all these photos together. The narrative is entertaining, interesting and intelligent - Baron tells the stories of individual photo shoots, but also sets them in the context of the times in which they were taken....

This is a great book to have and take good care of, so your children and grandchildren can open it years from now and be transported to a time and place you may have tried to describe. Baron Wolman's book really captures the behind-the-scenes world of the late sixties world of music, and his humility is refreshing in that context. Read more ›