Over the weekend, news broke that famed rock ‘n’ roll photographer Jim McCrary had passed away at the age of 72.
Perhaps most known for his work with the artwork for Carole King’s classic 1971 album Tapestry, McCrary also worked with acts including Joe Cocker, Cat Stevens, Phil Ochs, The Carpenters, B.B. King, and many others. Over the course of his career, he shot more than 300 album covers and was responsible for many photos of Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
McCrary abandoned the industry after an awkward encounter with a young Michael Jackson in the late 1970s. He had grown disconnected with contemporary acts of that time.
His niece told the L.A. Times that McCrary passed away due to complications from a nervous system disorder.
We at RCM extend our thoughts to McCrary’s family and friends.
Rock photography is as much a part of music history as the music itself, and it deserves to be celebrated. As a tribute to McCrary’s craft, enjoy our interview with rock photography legend Henry Diltz (and check out the photo gallery too).
