Bruce W. Talamon // Soul. R&B. Funk. Photographs 1972–1982, Art Edition

Talamon saw it all during the golden age of soul, R&B, and funk. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, this young African-American photographer from Los Angeles found himself backstage with an all-access pass to the heart of the music scene. He caught his first big break landing a position as a staff photographer at SOUL Newspaper in LA in the early 1970s, just as soul, R&B, and funk were becoming part of the mainstream. He captured the rehearsals and sound checks, recording sessions and costume fittings, the quiet reflective moments and life on the road, and, of course, the wild photo shoots and memorable performances. These photographs define an era famed for its glamor, fabulous fashions, and utter devotion to the groove.

Including nearly 300 photographs from 1972 to 1982, the extensive Talamon archives are presented in full detail for the first time. Whether you’re a diehard soul fan or a thrilled newcomer to the aesthetic magic of the 1970s, the collection exudes the infectious spirit of an exuberant age. Featuring icons such as Earth, Wind & Fire; Marvin Gaye; Diana Ross; Parliament-Funkadelic; Al Green; Gil Scott-Heron; James Brown; Barry White; Rick James; Aretha Franklin; the Jackson Five; Donna Summer; and Chaka Khan and many others; there are also several stops at the legendary Soul Train studios. Talamon documented a visual period in black music that lasted way past the midnight hour and will never come again.

This Art Edition is limited to 500 copies with four prints in a portfolio case, each numbered and signed by Bruce W. Talamon:
— James Brown, ABC Television Center, California, 1973
— Parliament-Funkadelic, Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1977
— The Jacksons, Los Angeles, 1976
— Stevie Wonder, Inglewood, California, 1980

“His photos feel like you could’ve, on any given night, witnessed Sly… Parliament, or Chaka Khan tearing the roof off. Mic on, band tight and LIVE. The wild part is that Bruce was there for all of it and we get to see those beautiful moments because of him. Thank You Bruce.”
— Bruno Mars

“For Talamon, photography was always about two things in particular: don’t “f@$k up the vibe" and respect the artist.”
— billboard.com