Opening Shot

LEGEND IN THE MAKING BEHIND THE LENS

Gered Mankowitz rubbed shoulders with the greatest names of sixties pop culture, and on the eve of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary he recalls a session with the legendary Jimi Hendrix.

O-ONE WHO WAS THERE will ever forget the Woodstock Festival, which took place between August 15-17 1969. Held on a farm near New York and attended by over 400,000 people, it blazed a trail and set a benchmark for every rock festival ever since, while many of the performances over those three days elevated the rock stars involved to legendary status.

No one rose to the occasion more than Jimi Hendrix, whose reputation soared following a performance that included a spine tingling and unforgettable guitar version of The Star Spangled Banner. He was at the peak of his powers before his tragically early death in September the following year at the age of 27.

When rock photographer Gered Mankowitz, renowned for the work he’d done with the likes of the Rolling Stones, pressed his shutter to produce what has gone on to become the definitive image of Hendrix it was a different story altogether. Gered had previously met him in 1966, but it wasn’t until early the following year that he finally got around to setting up a photo session with him, which took place at his Masons Yard Studio in London.

At the time the guitarist was making his name by performing with his band at small venues all around the UK and he had nothing like the profile he was later to achieve. Gered N

recalls that momentous day even now with absolute clarity and affection.

“He had tremendous power and charisma and took to the fashions of the day like a duck to water,” Gered remembers. “He was charming, modest, quiet and funny and a joy to work with, allowing me that wonderful moment of access that makes a great portrait.

“This particular portrait was the only shot of its type on the roll of film and it was actually the very last frame. I sensed I had caught something special and moved on to a darker background. If I had been a bit more experienced I should have taken a complete roll of this particular composition, but with the arrogance of youth I moved on!

“What I do remember is that there was no chance to take any more pictures after that in any case because at 4pm he and his band were in a rush to get away and into their van, which was parked outside, because they were performing that night in the club at the end of the pier in Hastings! I didn’t realise at the time just what I had got, but of course the picture has gone on to be regarded as a classic, which is something I’m very proud of.” PP

Photograph by Gered Mankowitz © Bowstir Ltd 2019 /mankowitz.com