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News/Press

November 15, 2023: Celebrating Stevie Wonder – A Conversation & Book Signing With Bruce

On November 15th, 2023, as part of an event celebrating Stevie Wonder, there will be a conversation and book signing with Bruce at the ANDAZ Hotel in West Hollywood (6:30PM – 7:30PM). Bruce photographed Stevie from 1973-1980 and he’ll be talking about those days. ANDAZ Hotel Mezzanine Level 8401 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 Free Event Valet Parking: $20.00

August 17, 2022: KCET – How Wattstax Kickstarted This R&B And Funk Photographer’s Long Career

How Wattstax Kickstarted This R&B and Funk Photographer’s Long Career August 17, 2022 by Carren Jao (kcet.org) Bruce Talamon has been taking photographs of R&B and funk royalty for five decades and counting. | Courtesy of Bruce Talamon Over the last five decades, Bruce Talamon has trained his lenses on some of the music industry’s brightest stars. “I was fortunate enough to photograph what I like to call R&B and soul and funk royalty. I got lucky.” Over the past decades, […]

July 27, 2022: Hotter Than July – The Bruce W. Talamon R&B Photographs (Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Exhibit)

On July 27, 2022, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, OH will open the exhibit, “Hotter Than July – The Bruce W. Talamon R&B Photographs.”  The exhibit will run until July 2023.   “Bruce Talamon captured the greatest musical artists this world has ever seen. Artists that would one day become the King of Pop or The Godfather of Soul. Singers and bands creating timeless Funk and R&B that would go on to inspire a new generation to […]

June 2, 2022: Bruce’s Interview On NPR’s It’s Been A Minute

Here’s an interview with Bruce on NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute.” 

October 11, 2021: Bruce’s Promo For Leimert Park Threads

Here’s Bruce’s promo for Leimert Park Threads… To check out Leimert Park Threads, click here.  

September 30, 2021: Bruce Collaborates With UNION L.A. Store & CONTACT Photo Lab

Bruce, UNION L.A. Store, and CONTACT Photo Lab have teamed up to release t-shirts and hoodies that feature photographs from Bruce’s “Soul R&B Funk” book. The t-shirts and hoodies feature photos of such artists as Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire, and Marvin Gaye. To check out the t-shirts and hoodies, click here. Watch the following video to see/hear how the collaboration came together. 

September 30, 2021: Bruce Talamon Interview On gq.com

Amber Aisha / Courtesy of Union Los Angeles STYLE: Bruce Talamon’s Photos Captured a Golden Era of Black Music. Now, They’re Coming for Your Closet The photographer teams up with Union Los Angeles for a deeply cool collaboration. By Chris Thomas – September 30, 2021 Over the years, Bruce Talamon captured images of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, and essentially every Black musician that defined the golden era of soul and funk music. For all Talamon’s influence, […]

July 21, 2021: Bruce’s Interview On Crosscut – “Missing Music”

Here’s an interview with Bruce, along with photographers Dick Carruthers and Chona Kasinger, hosted by Crosscut’s Managing Editor, Mark Baumgarten – “Missing Music” (Virtual Event – It was held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021) They discussed a range of topics, including what it’s been like to photograph live music again, the responsibility of photographers to capture and document history, what’s been lost and gained in the conversion to digital, the policies and contractual rules that photographers face, and the barriers […]

A Conversation With Bruce About His Work With Artist David Hammons

A Conversation With Bruce About His Work With Artist David Hammons Taken from the Hauser & Wirth / Ursula Website, here’s a conversation with Bruce about his work with artist David Hammons Portfolio Use Your Eyes Photographer Bruce W. Talamon on time spent with David Hammons David Hammons making a body print, Slauson Avenue Studio, 1974 On the occasion of ‘David Hammons: Body Prints, 1968–1979,’ at the Drawing Center in New York, the first survey of a pivotal aspect of […]

February 13, 2021: Bruce’s Interview On The Obsidian Project

Bruce and D Stevens were interviewed for the Obsidian Project’s “Backstory” series. Backstory is a series of conversations designed to promote the aesthetic approach, history, and careers of seasoned professionals. To view the interview, click here.

February 11, 2021: Bruce’s Interview On Rare Gems And Cuts

Here’s an interview with Bruce, hosted by CLIFFB (Rare Gems And Cuts). 

November 12, 2020: Bruce’s Online Event Hosted By APA | San Diego MOPA

On Thursday, November 12, 2020 (6pm PT), join Bruce for an online event, Bruce W. Talamon: ‘A Love Letter To The Music,’ hosted by APA (American Photographic Artists) | San Diego MOPA (Museum Of Photographic Arts). APA | SD MOPA: We are proud to welcome legendary photographer Bruce W. Talamon on November 12th for a special online event including a photographic talk moderated by Michele Romero and hosted by MOPA.  Bruce will share stories from behind the camera as well […]

October 22, 2020: Join Bruce And William “Bootsy” Collins As They Discuss Social Justice And Music

On Thursday, October 22, 2020 (7pm ET / 4pm PT), join Bruce and 1997 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, William “Bootsy” Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic), via a free live stream, as they discuss social justice and music – two prominent themes of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit, “It’s Been Said All Along.” -Collins will discuss his racial struggles as a member of James Browns’ band and Parliament-Funkadelic and his new album, The Power of The One, which […]

November 17, 2019: Bruce Attends The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery Gala In Washington, D.C.

Bruce attends The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery Gala in Washington, D.C. Earth, Wind & Fire was honored at the 2019 Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery Gala on Sunday, November 17th, 2019.  Bruce’s portrait of the band is now hanging in the gallery. Bruce’s comments: Thank You Chris McElrath for creating the beautiful 30” X 40″ print.  Regina Jones, Publisher of SOUL Newspaper.  You introduced me to Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind & Fire.  And Thank You to Maurice for coming […]

Bruce’s Photo Of Earth, Wind & Fire Will Be On Display At The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery In Washington, D.C.

Earth, Wind & Fire’s portrait (taken by Bruce) will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., from November 15th, 2019 – August 30th, 2020.

Bruce’s Interview On The “Truth In Rhythm” Program

Bruce’s interview on the Truth In Rhythm program with host Scott Goldfine.    

Bruce Talamon Interview On Valley Public Radio (NPR)

‘Soul. R&B. Funk.’ Features A Decade Of Photos From ‘The Best Seat In The House’ 08/07/2019 Host: Terry Gross / Guest Contributor: Sonari Glinton For more info, click here.

2019 Photoville LA (April 26-28 & May 2-5, 2019)

Bruce will be at the 2019 Photoville LA (April 26-28 & May 2-5, 2019) Bruce will be one of the featured photographers at the 2019 Photoville LA (April 26-28 & May 2-5, 2019).  For more info, click here. There will also be a “conversation with Bruce W. Talamon” on a decade-long project celebrating Soul, R&B, and Funk on Sunday, April 28th, 2019 from 5pm – 6pm at The Annenberg Space for Photography – The Studios at Century Park, 2000 Avenue […]

Bruce Talamon Article On latimes.com

Photographer Bruce Talamon Captured Black Joy In The Glory Years Of Soul And Funk. Now He’s Getting His Due 12/06/2018 by Makeda Easter (latimes.com) Photographer Bruce Talamon at his home in South Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White had one name in mind for his memoir photos: Bruce Talamon. The photographer, who has nearly 40 years experience shooting feature film stills, began his career documenting R&B, soul and funk music’s golden […]

Bruce Talamon Article & Interview On npr.com

IT’S BEEN A MINUTE WITH SAM SANDERS 10/30/2018 by Sam Sanders (npr.com) Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder: Through the Lens Bruce Talamon Photographed Black Musical Legends in the 1970s Talamon has a new book out with hundreds of photos featuring famous black artists like The Jacksons, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Patti LaBelle, and so many others. The book is titled Bruce W. Talamon. Soul. R&B. Funk. Photographs 1972-1982. Picture this: Michael Jackson on a sound stage with his brothers. […]

Bruce Talamon Article On time.com

Aretha Franklin Never Saw This Picture Of Herself. Here’s The Story Behind The Previously Unpublished Portrait 9/28/2018 by Olivia B. Waxman (time.com) Singer Aretha Franklin, photographed at her Los Angeles home in 1977. Bruce W. Talamon – Courtesy of TASCHEN When the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin died last month at the age of 76, she was called a “diva to the end,” and proved that point by going out in a gold-plated casket. But that doesn’t mean Franklin didn’t […]

Bruce Talamon Article On rollingstone.com

Iconic Photos By Bruce Talamon: From Chaka Khan And Stevie Wonder To Earth, Wind And Fire Talamon’s book, ‘Bruce W. Talamon: Soul. R&B. Funk.’ captures quiet moments with the biggest stars of Seventies soul 9/26/2018 by Elias Leight (rollingstone.com) Rick James in 1977, one of many vital photos that appears in the new book ‘Bruce W. Talamon: Soul. R&B. Funk.’ Bruce Talamon “There’ve been photo books on jazz; there’ve been countless photo books on rock and roll, on the Rolling […]

October 5, 2018: Bruce To Be Presented A Special Living Legends Honor

On Friday, October 5th, 2018, Bruce will be presented with a special Living Legends honor at the 22nd Annual Living Legends Awards Gala. The Living Legends Foundation continues its mission to honor the best and the brightest in the ever-changing and evolving music and entertainment industries. The foundation’s core mission is to honor pioneers and professionals who have broken new ground in the areas of broadcasting, recorded music, marketing, retail, publicity, publishing, digital, creative, and philanthropy. Friday, October 5, 2018 […]

Bruce Talamon Article On pitchfork.com

Bruce Talamon’s Photos Capture The Magic Of Soul, R&B, And Funk In The Seventies 9/20/2018 by Eric Ducker (Contributor – pitchfork.com) Parliament-Funkadelic. Photo by Bruce W. Talamon. When Bruce W. Talamon graduated from Whittier College in 1971, he told his family that he wouldn’t be going to law school like they expected. Instead he wanted to become a professional photographer, a decision sparked a year earlier while studying abroad in Europe, when he brought his new Pentax camera to a […]

Bruce Talamon Article On cnn.com

Bruce Talamon’s Photos Capture The Magic Of Soul, R&B, And Funk In The Seventies 9/12/2018 by Ana Rosado (cnn.com) In the 1970s and early 1980s, Bruce Talamon lived the wild days of soul, R&B, and funk, photographing icons such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green, Gil Scott-Heron; Barry White, the Jackson Five and Donna Summer. “I’m probably the only person who has an archive of this size, on this music,” said […]

Bruce Talamon Article On nytimes.com

Chronicling The Virtuosity And Struggles Of 1970s Soul And Funk Musicians 9/6/2018 by Maurice Berger (nytimes.com / Lens) Bruce W. Talamon photographed some of music’s brightest stars for a decade. He considers himself “a visual caretaker of black folks’ history.” The Pointer Sisters on “Soul Train” in 1975. Photograph: Bruce Talamon The photograph is as unusual as it is illuminating: a close-up of the bassist Louis Johnson’s cut and blistered thumb after playing a concert. Taken in 1977 at Funk […]

September 12, 2018: Bruce’s Book Signing At Taschen

TASCHEN invites you to meet Bruce to celebrate the launch of his book, “Soul R&B Funk Photographs 1972-1982.”  Bruce will be happy to sign the Regular Edition and personalize the Art Edition. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 (5 – 7pm) TASCHEN 354 N. Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210

September 19, 2018: Bruce & Verdine White (EWF) At The Hammer Museum

UPDATE: Watch the Hammer Museum Livestream video recorded that evening right here…  Photographer Bruce Talamon saw it all during the golden age of soul, R&B, and funk. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, he found himself backstage with an all-access pass to the heart of the music scene, photographing icons such as James Brown, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Rick James, Parliament-Funkadelic, Gil Scott-Heron, Aretha Franklin, the Jackson Five, Isaac Hayes, Chaka Khan, Al Green, Barry White, and Donna Summer. […]

Bruce Talamon Article On theguardian.com

Behind The Scenes With The Biggest Soul Stars Of The 70s 7/22/2018 by Killian Fox (theguardian.com / The Observer – Photography) Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Stevie Wonder – Bruce W Talamon photographed them all. His images, collected in a new book, capture an era before publicists controlled their stars. Marvin Gaye, 1978: Marvin with his mother and brother Frankie. “She was slicing up a big turkey. She was just happy to see her boys and they were happy to be […]

Billboard Article On Bruce’s GRAMMY Museum® Exhibit

Grammy Museum Spotlights Photographer Bruce Talamon In New Soul, R&B and Funk Exhibit 6/29/2018 by Gail Mitchell (billboard.com) Rebecca Sapp/WireImage.com Grammy Museum artistic director Scott Goldman, photographer Bruce Talamon, musician/writer Herb Powell and Grammy Museum curator Nwaka Onwusa Total access. It’s become a rare commodity these days in terms of interacting with music stars and other public figures. But that wasn’t the case in 1972 when fledgling photographer Bruce Talamon snuck his way onstage at Stax Records’ Wattstax benefit concert […]

June 27, 2018: A Conversation With Bruce At The GRAMMY Museum®

In conjunction with the opening of the GRAMMY Museum’s new exhibit, Bruce W. Talamon: Soul, R&B, and Funk Photographs 1972-1982: A Love Letter To The Music, the Museum is thrilled to welcome Bruce W. Talamon to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation, hosted by GRAMMY Museum Artistic Director Scott Goldman. The exhibit provides a revealing look into the untold and unknown moments that happened off the stage and outside the recording studio, showcasing a period in musical history […]

Bruce’s GRAMMY Museum® Exhibit

Bruce W. Talamon: Soul, R&B, and Funk Photographs 1972-1982: A Love Letter To The Music Select photographs of legendary artists photographed by Bruce W. Talamon at one of the most fertile times in R&B, will receive their first-ever exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum®. Bruce W. Talamon: Soul, R&B, and Funk Photographs 1972–1982 will open on June 23 and run through Aug. 1, 2018. The exhibit provides a revealing look into the untold and unknown moments that happened off the stage […]

Bruce Featured In Vanity Fair

Bruce is featured in the new issue of Vanity Fair (April 2018)… “Taking a photograph of a singer on stage is the easy part. The hard part is gaining their trust,” writes Bruce Talamon in the introduction to his electrifying new book, Soul. R&B. Funk., published next month by Taschen. In the early 1970’s, as a young black kid from Los Angeles, Talamon had plans to go to law school, but instead found himself backstage and front-row as soul, funk, […]