Atlantic Records, the legendary New York-based label that helped shape the sound of modern music, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in style—with a brand-new photo book that opens the vaults of its extraordinary visual archive. From the soulful depth of Aretha Franklin to the pop charisma of Charli XCX, the book offers a rare glimpse into the careers of artists who’ve defined generations.
This carefully curated collection, years in the making, dives deep into Atlantic’s legacy, spotlighting powerful images that span more than seven decades. Many of the photographs have never been published before, offering fans a fresh look at unforgettable studio sessions, electrifying performances, intimate backstage moments, and striking portraits. These visuals were captured by some of the most iconic names in photography, including Annie Leibovitz, Jim Marshall, Lee Friedlander, Walter Iooss Jr., Anton Corbijn, Chuck Stewart, Albert Watson, and David LaChapelle.
A New Yorker’s Perspective
Editor and New Yorker Reuel Golden was given the honor of shaping this commemorative book. Speaking with Wallpaper magazine, Golden explained what drew him to the project.
“We were approached after the success of the 75 Years of Capitol Records book back in 2016,” Golden said. “Capitol is tied closely to L.A., while Atlantic has New York in its DNA. That immediately resonated with me as a New Yorker. What made it even more compelling was the sheer range of Atlantic’s roster—from the progressive rock of King Crimson to the modern swagger of A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Capturing that diversity was a real challenge, but also a joy.”
A Legacy of Innovation
Golden emphasized that Atlantic Records’ story is inseparable from its co-founder, Ahmet Ertegun. “Ertegun was more than an executive—he was a visionary,” Golden explained. “He championed soul and R&B at a time when the industry wasn’t interested in those genres. He played a pivotal role in breaking down racial barriers in American music by promoting artists like Ruth Brown and Ray Charles.”
Ertegun also broke ground by hiring Black photographers to document artists, a radical move in an era when the industry was predominantly white behind the scenes. One notable example? Led Zeppelin’s first photos for Atlantic were shot by renowned jazz photographer Chuck Stewart—an unexpected pairing that perfectly captures the label’s adventurous spirit.
The Power of a Photograph
Asked what makes a music photo unforgettable, Golden identified two essential types: the dynamic performance shot and the unguarded candid.
“A great live or studio photo brings you into the creative moment,” Golden said. “Jim Marshall, who photographed Cream for our book’s cover, had a gift for capturing the explosive energy of live music. Then there’s the candid portrait—the kind that reveals something real, unfiltered, even vulnerable. Anton Corbijn is a master of that. He peels back the mask.”
A Moment with the Queen of Soul
When asked about his favorite image in the book, Golden highlighted a quiet, almost accidental moment involving Aretha Franklin, captured by Walter Iooss Jr.—a sports photographer best known for his work with Michael Jordan.
“Back in the ’60s, Walter also dabbled in music photography, partly because he loved going to concerts and getting high,” Golden joked. “There’s this one photo of Aretha backstage in a tiny dressing room in New Jersey. She’s fixing her makeup in front of a mirror. Walter says the entire moment lasted just seconds. He’s not even sure she noticed him. But it’s pure magic—a fleeting glimpse of the Queen of Soul just before stepping into the spotlight.”
The Future of Music Photography
As for whether this kind of photographic storytelling will endure, Golden is cautiously optimistic—but notes that today’s tightly controlled music industry has made it harder for photographers to capture those same unfiltered moments.
“Will we have something like this in another 75 years? I’d like to think so,” he said. “The formats may change, but the desire for powerful, storytelling images won’t go away. Still, the level of access photographers once had is almost nonexistent now. That kind of raw, spontaneous capture—those one-in-a-million shots—are becoming rarer.”
This anniversary book stands as both a celebration and a time capsule, preserving the spirit of Atlantic Records and its artists in moments that feel as alive now as they did decades ago.
