Abbey Road Studios announce Jill Furmanovsky as 'ICON' award winner

Jill Furmanovsky by Kevin Westenberg

We are delighted to announce that, renowned photographer and Rockarchive founder, Jill Furmanovsky has been named this year's winner of the Abbey Road Studios 'ICON' award for their 2024 music photography awards (MPA). The awards were established in 2022 to celebrate the art of music photography and the creative talent behind the lens. The previous winners are Eric Johnson and Henry Diltz.

This year's MPA judging panel was a formidable assembly of talent from across the creative industries. Led by founding judge, the acclaimed British photographer, publisher, and film director Rankin (known for his work with Madonna, Björk, and Miley Cyrus), the panel featured an impressive lineup of experts. U.S. photographers Raven B Varona (Adele) and Pooneh Ghana (Olivia Rodrigo, Beck, The Strokes) join British photographers Ashley Verse (Stormzy, Pusha T, Tom Grennan) and Sam Rockman (Limp Bizkit, English Teacher, Bklava). Also on the panel was Vanity Fair’s Creative Development Editor David Friend, Abbey Road’s first Artist in Residence Jordan Rakei, Gossip frontwoman and fashion icon Beth Ditto, Sleaford Mods’ Jason Williamson, Mercury-nominated jazz musician Moses Boyd, artist and drag queen Bimini, and Decca Records Director of A&R Rachel Holmberg.

Pink Floyd recording "Wish You Were Here", Abbey Road Studios, 1975 by Jill Furmanovsky

Jill was chosen for the award in recognition of her illustrious 50 year career and her 'ICON' status is the culmination of a unique and storied history with Abbey Road. After moving from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to London in 1965, Jill’s love for music quickly drew her into The Beatles fan club and as a teenager, she was often spotted outside Abbey Road Studios. Her passion eventually led her to photograph some of Abbey Road’s most iconic images, including Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ recording session in 1975 and Oasis’s ‘Be Here Now’ in 1997. Decades later, Jill made history as Abbey Road’s first-ever Photographer in Residence (2017–2018) before joining the judging panel for the inaugural MPAs in 2022 and in 2018 she curated the exhibition "Inside Abbey Road Studios: Through the Lens of Jill Furmanovsky" at the Barbican Music Library. Her lifelong dedication to discovering new talent and inspiring the next generation of music photographers continues to shine through.

Oasis recording "Be Here Now", Abbey Road Studios, 196 by Jill Furmanovsky

Abbey Road’s Managing Director, Sally Davies, says: ‘Jill holds a special place in the heart of rock music photography. Her remarkable talent has gifted us some of the most iconic images that tell the Abbey Road story. From capturing the magic of Pink Floyd’s sessions in the 1970s and Oasis in the 1990s, to becoming our first ‘Photographer in Residence’ in 2017, her journey with us is a beautiful carousel of memories. It is with great joy that we honour her lifetime contribution to the art of music photography with the ICON Award 2024.’

Head judge Rankin adds: ‘This year’s ICON winner is one of my favourite music photographers of all time. I’m very excited that Jill Furmanovsky is the ICON winner because not only is she extraordinary at what she does, but she is extraordinary in the sense that she embeds with the people that she works and is probably one of the nicest people in the music industry. So, Jill, all power to you!’

David Gilmour recording "Wish You Were Here", Abbey Road Studios, 1975 by Jill Furmanovsky

On receiving the award Jill said, "It is an honour to be given such a prestigious award by Abbey Road, a place that holds a special place in heart. I’ve had the privilege of photographing some of the greatest musicians in the world, on the road, in concert on location, and recording in magical places like Abbey Road Studios. Sometimes I still can’t quite believe my luck. Many thanks to the MPAs for championing the Art of Music Photography for a whole new generation."

 

Liam Gallagher outside Abbey Road Studios in 1996 by Jill Furmanovsky

As well as announcing Jill as the "ICON" winner, Abbey Road also confirmed that London-based photographer Sam Rockman would return to Abbey Road as their ‘Photographer in Residence’ for 2024. Sam was a finalist in two categories at the 2023 MPAs and his unique work spans analogue and digital photography, portraits, music videos, live performances, and documentaries.

The Abbey Road Studios 2024 Music Photography Awards will be presented on 3rd October but in the meanwhile you can check out some of Jill's classic images here that are available as signed limited edition prints.