The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame received its largest archival gift in its history from a photographer, whose collection includes Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and many other iconic artists.
Baron Wolman is remembered as “one of the most prominent rock & roll photographers,” according to a news release from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“It gives me comfort and solace, especially now, to know that my life’s work will be protected and shared for years to come. I could not have asked for a more perfect home,” Wolman said before he died in November.
More than 100,000 of Wolman’s images were donated to the Rock Hall for an “exhibit (that) showcases Wolman’s unique ability to reveal the spirit and character of artists, both humanizing them and elevating them,” according to the Rock Hall.
Artists in the collection include B.B. King, Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner, The Beatles, Grace Slick, Howlin’ Wolf, Miles Davis, Eric Clapton and many others.
Wolman’s collection also includes negatives, copies of his books, magazines and more, collected over decades.
“We are incredibly honored to preserve Baron’s legacy and his extraordinary collection, and are grateful for this generous gift,” said Greg Harris, President & CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. “His collection, an integral part of rock history, captures the passion and energy of rock & roll’s most influential performers and immortalizes them for generations.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame previously closed to the public because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but is slated to reopen with safety precautions in place on Monday (January 18). The museum will open to healthcare workers for a free admission day on Sunday (January 17).
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets are available online.
Photo: Getty Images