Rolling Stone Photographer Baron Wolman Passed Away At 83

RIP

Rolling Stone‘s first staff photographer Baron Wolman has passed away at 83 on Monday night. He was recently diagnosed with ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His rep Dianne Duenzl said in a statement to Rolling Stone, “It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of Baron Wolman on November 2, 2020. Baron died peacefully at the age of 83, after a battle with ALS. Baron’s pictures gave us a rare, comprehensive, and accurate reflection of that time executed by a gifted artist whose visual intelligence is unsurpassed.”

Back in October 4, Wolman wrote on Facebook: “Sad to say I’m now in the final sprint to the end. I go forward with a huge amount of gratitude for the many blessings bestowed upon me (family, friends, travels and more), with no regrets and appreciation for how my photographs — my life’s work — have been received.”

He took some of the most iconic photos of rock ‘n roll musicians during his time with the magazine, between 1967 and 1970. From Jimi Hendrix at the Fillmore West and Janis Joplin at home to Frank Zappa at a construction site  and Jerry Garcia holding up his missing finger to the public for the first time – these are just some of the images he’s known for.

Wolman said, “The music got you high. I always felt that way. It did something to my brain and kept me going and made me smile.”