40" x 30" Archival Pigment Print

Stevie Wonder 24th Birthday Party
by Bruce W. Talamon

Stevie Wonder Birthday Party May 13, 1974.  In this photograph, Stevie is celebrating his 24th birthday at The Speakeasy nightclub in Hollywood. He’s at his electric piano with Wonder Love members, Denise Williams, Shirley Brewer, and Reggie McBride on bass.  And he is surrounded by his friends. Stevie’s piano had been set up and this was turning into more than a party. Stevie Wonder and his guests were going to PLAY!

Looking back all these years later, for me one of the interesting things about this photograph is the smallest detail. Stevie is wearing a gold medallion in the shape of a scroll on a gold chain necklace. The writing on the scroll is inscribed in Braille.  I had always wondered what the writing was on the scroll. So, 44 years later during research for my R&B book, I had it translated:  Here’s what’s on the scroll: "Thank you for being like you are- B.G. 5-13-74.” This was a gift from the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy.  Stevie's friends came out… Smokey Robinson, Bill Withers, The O’Jays, Herbie Hancock, Minnie Riperton, Verdine White and a host of others.  And they partied way past the midnight hour!

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40" x 30" Archival Pigment Print

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Stevie Wonder and The Temptations Backstage
by Bruce W. Talamon

Stevie Wonder and The Temptations Backstage, Inglewood Forum November 1974.  I was working for SOUL Newspaper covering Stevie Wonder’s concert at the Inglewood Forum. The publicity director for Motown always looked out for members of the Black press, and sometimes he would give exclusive access to SOUL Newspaper for Motown artists. This night was one of those times. One of the hardest places to get into is the Artist’s dressing room just before a concert. I was ushered into Stevie’s room for what would normally be a few quick photographs of the artist and then you are asked to leave.

Most of the well-wishers had already gone to their seats and Stevie hadn’t even changed out of his street clothes. He was at a small electric piano talking with Melvin Franklin and Otis Williams, co-founders of the Temptations. Before going on stage to perform, Stevie Wonder started to play some new songs he was working on. The vibe was very loose- Everyone was in a great mood in anticipation of the concert. By that time I had worked my way up to the piano and was right in front of them. Working with a wide-angle lens, I forced myself to get closer and fill the frame. The effect draws the viewer into the photograph. That moment was almost better than the concert. Almost…

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40" x 30" Archival Pigment Print

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Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder
by Bruce W. Talamon

Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder.  Motown Records office.  Hollywood, California March 1976.  Motown Records was celebrating the completion of Stevie’s latest album, and to mark the occasion, they held a reception in the offices of the founder and President of the label, Berry Gordy. All the recording industry newspapers and magazines were invited. You had the Editors and Publishers of The Hollywood Reporter, Record World, Billboard, Cashbox and Rolling Stone, as well as select members of the radio and television press.

Also, the Black Press came out in force. Ebony and Jet Magazines and Soul Newspaper were there. This was an event not to be missed! Looking at this photograph, the casual observer would not know that this extremely large office was packed to the limit. My assignment was to photograph Mr. Gordy and Stevie as they mingled with the guests. For this particular shot I wanted something special, so I used a medium telephoto lens to isolate them from the crowd. And having photographed Mr. Gordy on numerous occasions, I knew that he would gesture with his hands to accent the point he was making. I concentrated on their faces and Mr. Gordy’s hand. Forty-seven years later, I am still proud of this photograph because it captures a quiet moment between two Black men at the height of their powers- Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder just after Stevie delivered his finished tapes to Berry for his classic album, Songs in the Key of Life.

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About the Photographer

Los Angeles-born Bruce W. Talamon (July 31, 1949) saw it all during the golden age of soul, R&B, and funk. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, this young African American photographer from Los Angeles found himself backstage with an all-access pass to the heart of the music scene. He caught his first big break landing a position as a staff photographer at SOUL Newspaper in LA in the early 1970s, just as soul, R&B, and funk were becoming part of the mainstream. He captured the rehearsals and sound checks, recording sessions and costume fittings, the quiet reflective moments and life on the road, and, of course, the wild photo shoots and memorable performances. His photographs defined an era famed for its glamour, fabulous fashions, and utter devotion to the groove.

His photographs were used as key poster art in numerous ad campaigns for all the major Hollywood studios. A contract photographer for Time magazine in the 1980s, his work has also appeared in People, Rolling Stone, Ebony, Vanity Fair, and NPR. He is also the author of Bob Marley: Spirit Dancer.

IG: @brucewtalamon

www.brucetalamon.com