In the 60s it used to be "I Read The News Today, Oh Boy." In 2010, it's "I read the news today, oh God!" I'm sure it's an understatement to say the rock world is shocked and dismayed by the passing of rock photographer Jim Marshall. I might have been the last person to do an interview with him, although I wouldn't want to cop to that definitively. I did interview him for FilmFax Magazine, which shall come out sometime this year. I had submitted questions to him through his publicist, thinking we were going to do an internet Q & A. But his publicist for his new book Trust sent word to me that he would like to speak to me over the phone. We spent 45 minutes talking about all the photographs in Trust, and quite literally the reason that the book was entitled "Trust." For my money, it was one of the best interviews I ever did. We got along famously, and I hope when all of you read the interview in FilmFax you'll come away with the same spirit that we had that fall morning in 2009.

I didn't know Jim Marshall before this. FilmFax was contacted by his publisher at Omnibus Books, Beth Brody, and I was given the assignment. (Thank you, Michael Stein!)

There are no words that will suffice to summarize this great artist's life. His art was accepted by the world when he released it to the world. It is there for all of us to view, enjoy, and to contemplate. He led the life he wished to lead, and as a person that interviewed him, I will be forever grateful that I gained and earned his trust.

God bless you, Jim Marshall.

The saying goes, if you remember the 60s you weren't there. Another saying is, a picture is worth 1,000 words. In the case of Jim Marshall's photography, a picture is worth a million words. Even if you don't remember the 60s, his photographs are the time capsules to that magical renaissance time. This has never been more evident that in Marshall's new book from Omnibust Press, Trust

For the first time, his color photographs are featured in this coffee table book which showcases such diverse artists as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, B.B. King, The Byrds, John Lee Hooker, Joan Baez, Fred Durst, Matt Sorum, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Leon Russell, The Buffalo Springfield, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin, to name a few.

There is so much visual history in Trust that the reader is drawn into these moments, which are annotated by Mr. Marshall with a sense of the event as well as its contemporary significance. Marshall spent hours, days, and weeks with his subjects, getting to know the ins and outs of these highly talented artists, which gives this collection of photographs (and all his work) an intimacy which is rarely found in today's digital age. it's no wonder his work is on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

For anyone with an interest in the last half-century of music, musicians, and the rich tapestry of culture, this volume is an absolute must. For the newcomer, Trust is an exciting virtual experience which will deliver hour upon hour of page turning entertainment and education. A perfect stocking stuffer for all!

Watch for a full career interview with Jim Marshall in an upcoming issue of FilmFax Plus, available at your local news stand in 2010!