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Eric Meola has published a book of his snaps from his session for the cover of Bruce Springsteen’s 1976 album ‘Born To Run’. It’s called Born To Run Revisited and here are some selected highlights. To see more of Eric Meola’s work, visit his website.
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The book is a strikingly large and painstakingly produced volume filled with black-and-white 24 x 36 inch spreads from the 1975 sessions.
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The session shows The Boss posing alone and with sax player Clarence Clemons.
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Photographer Eric Meola recalls: “Thirty-six years have passed since Clarence Clemons and Bruce Springsteen walked into my studio in New York City, but if there is one day in my life I remember clearly, it’s that day.”
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Speaking about the photos, he said: “For the first time ever it feels as though I’m back on that day in 1975 when I wanted more than anything to make images for what I knew would be one of the most significant albums of my generation.”
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Presenting the photos uncropped lets you see more detail than you could before. According to the publishers: “This will surprise many people, but on the Born To Run cover photograph, there are not two, but five people in the frame. Bruce and Clarence of course, Elvis (on the badge) and then two people on a tiny detailed painting on the leather pick guard on Bruce’s guitar.”
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When it was released in August 1975, ‘Born To Run’ became Springsteen’s break through album, making Number Three on the Billboard charts.
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Photographer Eric Meola called it “one of the albums of my generation.”
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‘Born To Run’ is listed in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry of historic recordings.
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On choosing the cover shot Eric Meola said: “”Other things happened but when we saw the contact sheets, that one just sort of popped. Instantly, we knew that was the shot.”
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As well as Springsteen Clarence Clemons played with Aretha Franklin, The Grateful Dead and Lady Gaga in his career.
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In tribute, Springsteen said: “His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years.”
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Born To Run Revisited is published by Ormond Yard Press. It’s limited to 500 signed (on vellum) and numbered copies, priced £395. It’s available to purchase here.