James Joseph Marshall (3 February 1936, Chicago, Illinois – 24 March 2010, New York City, New York) was a photographer, often of rock stars.
While still in high school he purchased his first camera and began documenting musicians and artists in San Francisco. After serving several years in the Air Force, he returned and moved to New York. Marshall was the only photographer allowed backstage at The Beatles last concert, and chief photographer at Woodstock. He photographed Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival. Marshall also was the photographer for Johnny Cash's album at San Quentin.
He was known for his forceful personality that became something of a celebrity of its own. He lived in California, but died in New York on a trip in which he was scheduled to speak in SoHo.
Not having any children, he used to say "I have no kids," "My photographs are my children." Known to have at least 1 Leica camera with him at all times, One famous story of a CEO that offered to buy the camera that he used to shoot Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock for 25,000 dollars (in 1973) And a classic response to the offer of "Get the Hell out of here". Jim Marshall lived the rock n roll lifestyle as hard if not harder than most during the heyday of the late 60's and 1970's, having been barred from at least 2 national hotel chains for damage to rooms and outrageous behavior. Known for his fierce loyalty to his friends and often willing to give his last dollar for someone in need.
