Jeff Buckley

This portrait was taken after a show in the legendary folk club, Bungees, by the light of a single bulb, on a Leica M3. It was the first time I had seen Jeff play and I was gob-smacked. The sheer musicality,... read more virtuosity and soulfulness of this divine young man brought tears to my eyes. The tulip was one of a bunch given to him by an appreciative fan. J

Buckley had a cold and his management were reluctant to let him be photographed outdoors. They were also reluctant to let me photograph him unless I signed my life away, i.e. you can photograph our artiste... read more if you hand over the copyright to us etc.etc. I refused - although I offered them the option to buy the session off me. This was obviously an alien concept to them. They wanted it for free. I decided to go home. Meanwhile Buckley was getting colder and colder and in the end they withdrew their threats - just as the cab I’d ordered to take me back to the airport arrived. By now it was dark and I had to rig up some outdoor lighting - Buckley waited patiently then once I started shooting he was totally professional. The resulting session, considering all the earlier antagonism, resulted in a collection of photographs that I still consider to be among my best work.

This is an alternative shot for the cover of the album, 'Grace' - Jeff's listening to the Patti Smith Song, 'Horses'. Exclusive digital edition for rockarchive.com

Jeff sitting outside Howlin' Wolf Music Venue before his performance. Exclusive digital edition for rockarchive.com

During the performance of the live WNEW radio show at Sony Music Studios. Exclusive digital edition for rockarchive.com