This year, Morrison Hotel Gallery is collaborating with Abbey Road Studios for the 2025 edition of the Music Photography Awards. The event will feature a series of launch events in New York City, including an exclusive exhibit showcasing the works of legendary photographers Henry Diltz and Jill Furmanovsky. The curated collection will be displayed from May 28 through June 3 at the SoHo-based Morrison Hotel Gallery, with a special reception on May 29th. Diltz has captured over 250 album covers since the 1960s, while Furmanovsky focuses on documenting punk, new wave, ska, and reggae scenes. The exhibition also includes work by Christaan Felber and Sacha Lecha.
The partnership celebrates the global community of music photographers, highlighting images that define cultural movements and connect fans to artists. This collaboration not only honors iconic figures like Diltz and Furmanovsky but also showcases emerging talents like Felber and Lecha, emphasizing the evolving role of photography in shaping music history.
Legendary Lensmen: Capturing Musical History Through Iconic Imagery
Henry Diltz's contributions to music photography are unparalleled, having captured more than 250 album covers since the 1960s. His work immortalizes legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, Kurt Cobain, Joni Mitchell, and Janis Joplin. Diltz’s imagery defines the era's musical essence, encapsulating both the spirit and the visual identity of these iconic figures. The upcoming exhibition will highlight some of his most celebrated works, offering a glimpse into the golden age of rock and roll.
Jill Furmanovsky’s lens captures the vibrant energy of punk, new wave, ska, and reggae music from the 1970s through the Brit-pop boom of the 1990s. Her long-standing relationship with Oasis provides a unique perspective on one of the most influential bands of their time. Furmanovsky’s photographs, including those taken during Oasis’s performance at Slane Castle in Ireland in 1995 and their recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios, serve as a testament to her ability to document pivotal moments in music history. These images not only celebrate the band's legacy but also underscore the power of photography in preserving cultural milestones.
New Voices in Music Photography: Emerging Talents Redefining the Art Form
Christaan Felber and Sacha Lecha bring fresh perspectives to the world of music photography. Felber, nominated for an MPA in 2024, captures the essence of contemporary musicians with his striking imagery. His photograph of Mac Miller exemplifies the emotional depth and artistic vision he brings to his work. Meanwhile, Lecha, Deputy Photo Editor at Rolling Stone, contributes a powerful image of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, further enriching the collection with her distinctive style. Their inclusion in the exhibition highlights the ongoing evolution of music photography.
Through their innovative approaches, Felber and Lecha redefine the boundaries of music photography, capturing the modern era's diverse musical landscape. Felber’s nomination underscores his growing influence within the industry, while Lecha’s association with Rolling Stone amplifies her reach and impact. Together, they represent the next generation of photographers who continue to shape and redefine the art form. As part of this prestigious exhibition, their work joins that of legends like Diltz and Furmanovsky, creating a comprehensive narrative of music photography that spans generations and genres. This collaboration between Morrison Hotel Gallery and Abbey Road Studios ensures that the voices of both established and emerging photographers are heard, celebrating the enduring power of music and its visual representation.