September 22, 2014

Today's blog takes us back into the dark basement nightclub called Humpin Hanna's in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1973.

Hanna's, as we called it, had some really big names playing in it before they became famous. It was too small of a venue for larger acts because it's capacity was only about 150 people.

Tim Buckley was one of those performers who played there and then became famous.  I was lucky enough to photograph him in 1973.

Enjoy some old, grainy, black and white images of Tim.

Have a great week and join us on Facebook at Rich Zimmermann Photography if you haven't yet.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Tim Buckley, at Humpin Hanna's in Milwaukee in 1973.

September 15, 2014

Alvis Edgar Owens Jr., was an amazing man. We all know him as Buck Owens.

From the television show Hee Haw, to his own television show with his Buckaroos, the Bakersfield sound became popular.

His best friend and guitar player ,Don Rich, was a big part of the Buckaroos. Don passed away in 1974 in a motorcycle accident and that almost ruined Buck's career.

Thankfully, with the pedal steel player seen here and his son Buddy Alan, they got him playing and singing again. He started a new adventure called the Crystal Palace, in Bakersfield, California.

The Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California is a restaurant, museum and concert hall that is all about Buck.

Enjoy some old photos of Buck and The Buckaroos, from Summerfest in 1973.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Buck Owens and the Buckaroos at Summerfest in 1973.

September 8, 2014

I have been a music photographer for a very long time. My first images were taken in 1971.

My favorite photograph of my whole collection was taken in 1972.  It is of Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Linda Ronstadt.

I sent the photograph to Ramblin' Jack on his 80th birthday a few years back. I tried to get a print to Linda Ronstadt in the 1980's through her people, but who knows if she ever got it. Things like that often disappear.

This past Friday night, Ramblin' Jack played a show in Milwaukee at Shank Hall. I gave him a copy of the print before he went on stage. He autographed a copy of it for me and we chatted for a while. Jack is a great storyteller and we could have talked for hours!  Or more precisely, he could have told stories for hours!

He is a wonderful person, a terrific story teller and a great musician.

I think I got a new best friend the other night.

Love ya Jack.

Enjoy the images everyone.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Ramblin' Jack Elliott at Shank Hall in Milwaukee on September 5, 2014.

September 1, 2014

First, thank you to everyone who wished me Happy Birthday on Saturday, August 30th when I turned 60!!! That was a big one and a great day thanks to all of you and my wife Claudia.

So, life goes on and we have a new IRL champ after the race last night in Fontana, California.

I was pulling for Helio Castroneves to win the championship. He has not won one yet and he has been trying for many years to become the IRL champion.

Helio, did not become the IRL champion, but one of his teammate's with team Penske, Will Power, did. Congratulations to Will. He too has been trying for many years to get the championship.

Here we look at some photographs of Will Power that I took in 2007, 2008 and 2014.

Enjoy and have a great week.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Will Power, 2014 IRL Champion!

August 25, 2014

Milwaukee IndyFest 2014 at the Milwaukee Mile is history and the IRL crews are about to race in California as I write this blog. Early Sunday morning they had earthquakes just a few miles away from the California racetrack.  I hope all are all right and ready to race again.

The Milwaukee race was a good fight for Will Power and Juan Pablo Montoya. I was pulling for Montoya as my other favorite, Helio Castroneves, just wasn't in the picture much during the race.  I think Helio's championship title fight might be over.  There are just not enough races left to gain points for Helio. Milwaukee, once again, isn't good for Helio come race time.

I was very happy to see Matthew Brabham running well in the Indy Lights and I see big things for this young man. His father Geoff, who was at the race, is a great driver coach for his son. Geoff raced Indy cars a bit, but really is famous for racing the Nissan IMSA GTP cars in the 1980's and winning a lot of races.

Matthew Brabham would have won his Indy Lights race if not for a late crash and then a bad restart. He finished P2 and was just heart broken sitting on the wall after the race with his Dad. He is learning quickly what racing is all about.

I hope you enjoy a look at Matthew Brabham, Rick Mears and the rest of the guys.

Have a great week.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

August 18, 2014

This past weekend was Milwaukee Indyfest 2014! I am writing this on Friday before the weekend that I will be photographing one of my favorite things in life, Indy Cars!!

So, here is a look back at 2013. One of these guys should win, except, of course, for Dario Franchitti who is now retired due to injuries sustained last year at the Houston race. I miss seeing him race. He will be coaching for Chip Ganassi's team and will still be on pit lane. Also, Simona DeSilvestro won't be back because she is now pursuing a Formula One career. Good luck to her with that adventure.

Enjoy a look at Helio, Will Power and the guys from last year. I'm pulling for Helio to get 'er done. Then he could win the championship this year. Good luck to Helio Castroneves. He needs it! He has never won in Milwaukee and The Mile has not been kind to him when it comes to race day.

Next week, we will give you the results blog with some great photos of the guys. Hope to see you at the track.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann