BOB GRUEN - VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS
Unique Photography Collection
One-of-a-Kind Vintage Works
Created by the artist in the early 70's
The Music Photo Gallery (TMPG) is honored to present the revival of one of the most significant exhibitions in the history of music photography. The original showcase took place in 1971 at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, featuring Bob Gruen’s striking photographs of Ike & Tina Turner.
In 1972, the exhibition expanded to include a broader selection of his work, incorporating iconic images of artists such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Elton John, and Mick Jagger.
The exhibition was first critically recognized at the Westbeth Gallery, where a landmark review in The New York Times established Gruen’s reputation and marked the beginning of his legendary career. At a time when music photography existed mainly on album covers and in magazines, Gruen’s decision to exhibit large-format silver gelatin prints—some up to 30x40 inches—was revolutionary, elevating music imagery to the realm of fine art.
After more than fifty years in storage, these original prints were reintroduced to the public by The Music Photo Gallery in February 2025 in New York. A curated selection of the works was then presented at Photo London, held at Somerset House in May.
TMPG now plans to tour the exhibition internationally, with upcoming presentations at major photography fairs, museums, and cultural institutions around the world.
This body of work offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the visual and cultural impact of Bob Gruen’s photography and its role in shaping the visual language of music history. It is a celebration of a transformative era, a tribute to Gruen’s enduring artistry, and a recognition of his singular place in the visual narrative of rock and roll.
All works in the exhibition are available for acquisition.
For inquiries or to arrange a private viewing, please contact us:
Bob Gruen Self Portrait. Roscoe 1970
First Review of Bob Gruen's work at The New York Times in 1972
BOB GRUEN VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS
A Historic Collection of Rare, One-of-a-kind Vintage-Prints from Bob Gruen’s Debut Exhibition at the iconic Beacon Theatre in 1971
Bob Gruen at the Westbeth Exhibition in 1974, Following His Debut Show at the Beacon Theatre
INSTALLATION VIEWS
Bob Gruen captures, as he says, “the passion and emotion” of the performers on stage. But even more significantly, he shows us what is unique and beautiful and powerful about each shining star in the musical constellation. We experience not only the image, but also the light. For indeed, before digital, photography was about light bouncing off the subject, onto the film and then projected through the light of the enlarger onto the light sensitive paper. There is a direct line of light from musicians onto Bob Gruen’s rare prints currently on exhibition for the first time. They shine their light.
Gail Buckland, Photo Historian and Photography Curator
EVENTS
Media Highlights of the Exhibition
Touring Show
The exhibition is currently being scheduled to travel across leading international institutions, museums, and top photography fairs, as part of a global tour highlighting its historical and artistic significance.
