News

Former Dylan, Sinatra Photographer Dies

William Claxton—one of the Recording Academy's co-founders and a celebrated photographer for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Joni Mitchell, Chet Baker and more—died of congestive heart failure complications on Saturday at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Claxton was 80.

"He was a great photographer and a wonderful man who touched the lives of his friends through his generosity, charm and kindness," Benedikt Taschen, the founder and owner of Taschen Publishing, said in a statement. "Bill was very close to my heart and a pillar of our publishing house."

Claxton wrote 13 books and held numerous worldwide exhibitions throughout his storied career. Aside from his music portraits, he's known for such works as "Basic Black," which some consider the first "fashion video," and a 1960's collection of photos featuring Rudi Gernreich's fashion designs and Claxton's wife, model Peggy Moffitt.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
10.13.08