Since its 2001 founding, Soho’s Morrison Hotel Gallery has housed one of the finest collections of iconic photographs of rock musicians in the world. It only makes sense then that the minds behind the gallery would find a way to put rock stars like Van Morrison under the same roof as rock stars of sports like Vince Lombardi and Don Drysdale. Starting on Jan. 23, fans of both will be able to visit the New York City gallery’s new lineup of images from some of the most respected sports photographers in history.
In the world of sports imagery, Neil Leifer is as respected as Michael Jordan in a basketball locker room. Leifer, the most prolific photographer in Time Inc. history, will line the gallery’s hallowed halls with candid shots and magazine covers through March 31. Any superstars not captured by him probably found themselves on the opposite end of cameras held by the five other all-stars who’ll be on display beginning in April — Water Iooss, Neal Preston, Theo Ehret, Ken Regan and Michael “The Z Man” Zagaris.
After walking through the annals of sports history, you’ll likely want to take a keepsake home. You will be able to purchase images at the gallery or on the Morrison Hotel website when the exhibit begins. So, that dream you had years ago about having Muhammad Ali over your house can come true after all.
Photos Courtesy of Neil Leifer
