When we spoke that first time in 2018, I knew Vernon and I would be friends. We shared an interest in music and the preservation of its nostalgic and historic value. This is not to mention that he is just a nice guy. In that first interview I mentioned that I was a big Sammy Hagar fan when he told me that he had photographed him at a Texas Jam. A few days after that first article published, I received a poster size photograph of an iconic shot of Sammy at the Texas Jam signed by the photographer himself. It is framed and hangs in my office.
Over the years Vernon Gowdy III has continued taking concert photos. His passion to capture a moment of life is still as strong as it was when he was as a young college kid working for the university newspaper and co-founding the iconic Jam Magazine. Taking photos of concerts in the mid and late 1970s was a passion that has only intensified over the years. Now, in the mid-2020s, he is still taking those incredible photos and capturing moments of musical history. To even begin to guess how many concert photos he has taken would be an impossible task. Perusing through just a few would most certainly conjure up memories for any concertgoer. His photos elicit nostalgic feelings and capture how live music becomes a part of us each time we have the opportunity to watch our favorite musicians perform live.
Uniquelahoma has been fortunate to build a friendship with Vernon. He has allowed us to publish many of his photos over the years and we have been honored to share them with our readers. After having received his latest book From These Walls: History of the Diamond Ballroom as a gift from our dear friend and contributor, we wanted to share it with you, our readers. This is an incredible read highlighting over 60 years of the historic venue Diamond Ballroom and the amazing performers who have graced its stage.
Not only are there many of Vernon’s photographs within its pages, but the book is woven with fun biographical information about some of our favorite musicians as well as interesting historical information about the ballroom and its legendary performances. This book is an enjoyable and enlightening trip back in time to a unique place that captured what would become history. Vernon has compiled a masterpiece of musical history that will be enjoyed by everyone who flips through its pages.
Thank you, Vernon for sharing this with Uniquelahoma!
C.L.Harmon
To purchase a copy of this book and other works by Vernon, visit vernongowdy.com or diamondballroombook.com
You may also search his name on Uniquelahoma for other articles on his work and fascinating career as a concert photographer.
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