Gered Mankowitz on music's iconic portraits: from Hendrix to Sade
In a new gallery feature, photographer Gered Mankowitz reminisces about his renowned music portraits, recounting experiences with artists such as Elton John, Marianne Faithfull, Duran Duran, Suzi Quatro, Joan Jett, The Rolling Stones, Sade, Eurythmics, Wham!, and Jimi Hendrix from 1967 to 1986. He fondly remembers Elton John's whimsical pink shoes during a 1977 session and a 1998 shoot with Faithfull that didn’t materialize. Duran Duran was selected for his inaugural exhibition in 1981. Mankowitz reflects on Quatro’s style in 1973, a subdued Joan Jett in 1980, a fraught Rolling Stones rehearsal in 1982, a composed Sade in 1985, and a Wham! portrait from 1983. His first session with Hendrix in 1967 sought to showcase his charisma. The feature showcases images from the Iconic Images archive.
Key facts
- Gered Mankowitz photographed Elton John in London in 1977, with the singer wearing pink shoes.
- Marianne Faithfull was photographed in Dublin in 1998; her manager rejected the session, but she later embraced it.
- Duran Duran's 1981 London shoot was for Mankowitz's first exhibition at the Photographers' Gallery and led to the 'Girls on Film' single cover.
- Suzi Quatro's 1973 'leader of the gang' look was developed with producer Mickie Most.
- Joan Jett was 'quiet and low key' during their 1980 London session.
- A 1982 Rolling Stones rehearsal shoot in Surrey for Observer Magazine was marred by Mick Jagger's foul mood and Keith Richards' accusations.
- Sade was photographed in 1985 for Mojo magazine, giving Mankowitz only 30 minutes and being 'not particularly friendly.'
- Eurythmics' 1986 Paris session inspired the cover of their 'Revenge' album.
- Wham! was photographed in 1983 for Smash Hits! magazine, with a poster designed to be hung either way.
- Jimi Hendrix's first session with Mankowitz was in 1967, before his single 'Hey Joe' became a hit.
Entities
Artists
- Gered Mankowitz
- Elton John
- Marianne Faithfull
- Duran Duran
- Suzi Quatro
- Joan Jett
- The Rolling Stones
- Mick Jagger
- Keith Richards
- Sade
- Eurythmics
- Annie Lennox
- Dave Stewart
- Wham!
- George Michael
- Jimi Hendrix
- Mickie Most
Institutions
- Photographers' Gallery
- Observer Magazine
- Mojo magazine
- Smash Hits! magazine
- Iconic Images
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Dublin
- Ireland
- Surrey
- England
- Paris
- France