I really like this photo by our dear friend and legendary rock photographer Elliott Landy. It was taken during the shooting of the cover pics for my favorite The Band album, their delightful debut Music from Big Pink. Rick Danko, singer and bass player with The Band from their beginnings until he left us in '99, is only 24 years old here. He looks younger in the photo, but is already a well-experienced full-time musician, having played and toured behind Ronnie Hawkins since he was 17 and then travelling the world with Bob Dylan. When Rick and The Band finally were given studio time with producer John Simon to create their own album in 1967-68, they changed the course of American music forever, much thanks to Rick's unique talent and voice, and his playful creativity that is very evident in this photo.
-- Jan H.