Sad news: The last of the label photographers has died

In a corner of the CBS studios on East 30th, known as ‘the Church’, sat a man of unusual quietude. Don Hunstein could sit all day observing the musicians before he got his camera out.

His stillness drew artists to him like a magnet. His unerring eye took pictures of unequalled intimacy. Some became iconic on the covers of bestselling records.

Bob Dylan trusted him. So did Glenn Gould. And Mohammad Ali. And Godard Lieberson, the label boss.

Don died at home on Saturday morning, aged 88, after a long illness.

I got to know him when he gave his pictures for representation to Lebrecht Music&Arts and was struck by his profound humility. No matter how famous his pictures became, he was never the story.

It was always the art first, then the artist. Never the ego.

Our thoughts are with DeeAnn. May Don rest in peace.

photos (c) Estate of Don Hunstein/Lebrecht Music&Arts

An account of his life can be read here.