Icon: Music Through the Lens

Published on June 25, 2021

Icon: Music Through the Lens

Fridays, July 16–Aug. 13, at 9 PM and Friday, Aug. 13, at 10 PM

Repeats Saturdays, July 17–Aug. 14, at 2 AM and Saturday, Aug. 14, at 3 AM

Also airs on Fusion on Saturdays, July 24–Aug. 28, at 10 PM

This new six-part series follows the fascinating lives and often wild experiences of the artists who documented popular music in images, from the earliest darkrooms to the fast-evolving digital landscapes of the present day.

Featuring irreverent interviews with some of the most famous music photographers, musicians, gallerists, music journalists and social commentators, ICON: MUSIC THROUGH THE LENS is an eye-opening thrill ride that captures what it was like on both sides of the camera when the most recognizable images in history were taken. Via studio portraits, record sleeves, coffee table books and more, learn about the origins of these enduring, iconic images and the future
of music photography.

On Camera

Friday, July 16, at 9 PM

Repeats Saturday, July 17, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, July 24, at 10 PM

Explore how photographic images of Snoop Dogg, Bob Dylan and Madonna influence perceptions and how they communicate, through themes of interaction, technical skill, occasional luck and cultural impact.

On the Road

Friday, July 23, at 9 PM

Repeats Saturday, July 24, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, July 31, at 10 PM

On stage, backstage, on the tour bus—enjoy stories from early trailblazers who went on the road with artists such as Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and The Who. Enjoy tales from the punk era of CGBGs, the Clash and the Sex Pistols.

On the Record

Friday, July 30, at 9 PM

Repeats Saturday, July 31, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 10 PM

The photography of record sleeves from jazz and early rock ’n’ roll is analyzed and explored, from the Beatles and Pink Floyd to the highly stylized and conceptual imagery on albums by Blur and Dizzee Rascal. Themes of nostalgia, resonance and association run through the superb stories of classic album covers.

On the Cover

Friday, Aug. 6, at 9 PM

Repeats Saturday, Aug. 7, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 10 PM

Music magazines played a pivotal role in elevating music photography to iconic status, providing a visual context for some of the world’s greatest bands and their music. This episode explores the legacy of the early covers of Rolling Stone, Creem, NME, Mojo and Q.

On the Wall

Friday, Aug. 13, at 9 PM

Repeats Saturday, Aug. 14, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 10 PM

The transition of music photography from being considered disposable to a highly collectible and valuable art form is examined by gallerists, publishers, art experts and featured photographers.

On the Net

Friday, Aug. 13, at 10 PM

Repeats Saturday, Aug. 14, at 3 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 10 PM

The seismic switch from analog to digital is discussed alongside the rise and influence of social media. The final episode of the series seeks to determine, through the next generation of music photographers, whether music photography still has a role to play.

Icon: Music Through the Lens

Extended Preview

1:15

Published:

Join us on a thrill ride through the amazing world of music photography.