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Dylan images get to Memphis before he does

By Pamela Perkins
perkins@commercialappeal.com

Bob Dylan will be here before his July concert -- about 40 years before -- at the Stax Museum of Soul Music, starting next month.

"Bob Dylan: The Photographs of Daniel Kramer, 1964-1965," an exhibit of 60 images of the legendary folk musician’s early years, will be at the museum, 926 E. McLemore, May 13 through July 26.


Dylan isn’t known for his soul music artistry, but his music and soul were both influenced by gospel and blues, said Tim Sampson, spokesman for Soulsville, which runs the museum.

"Also, much of Dylan’s most important music was and is protest music about civil and human rights," he said. "And Stax Records certainly cranked out its share of that, particularly after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King."

Dylan also recorded early music and recent material with Stax diva Mavis Staples.

Aaward-winning New York photographer and film director Kramer’s exhibit photos include a mix of staged and candid, well-known and unpublished images: Dylan backstage and at recording sessions, in Kramer’s studio and Dylan’s home.

The exhibit marks the 40th anniversary of Dylan’s 1965 albums Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited, with covers on which Kramer’s photographs appear.

The exhibit coincides with Dylan’s July 1 concert with Willie Nelson at AutoZone Park.

The May 13 reception, from 7 to 10 p.m., will feature music from local producer-writer Jim Dickinson, who has recorded and performed with Dylan.

It also will feature food from Jim Neely’s Interstate Barbecue and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks. Admission is free for museum members, $10 for nonmembers.

-- Pamela Perkins: 529-6514

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