Greenwich Art + Design, in collaboration with ClockJack Productions, is thrilled to announce the opening of “BACKBEAT— The Lost Photography of Michael Friedman,” an extraordinary exhibition of never-before-seen, limited edition, black and white, fine art prints of rock n’ roll icons taken from 1968-1973.
Each shot in the collection was captured by photographer Michael Friedman, the former assistant to 1960’s music mega-manager Albert Grossman — turned 1980’s record executive — turned artistic entrepreneur.
After being hidden away in a box of business record for 50 years, Michael’s long-lost negatives from his music industry adventures were recently discovered by his wife, Donna Vita in the attic of their Fairfield County home.
Together, they restored and developed the photographs which would go on to be displayed in an exhibit in The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame from 2019-2020.
An opening reception unveiling “BACKBEAT— The Lost Photography of Michael Friedman” will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Greenwich Art + Design, located at 7 East Putnam Road, Greenwich, CT.
Photographer Michael Friedman will be in attendance to discuss the stories behind the pictures.
Photo credit/copyright Michael Friedman, 2017.
Photo credit/copyright Michael Friedman, 2017.
Michael Friedman had tremendous access to incredible subjects, from Janis Joplin to Kris Kristofferson to Tina Turner to Todd Rundgren to The Rolling Stones. He was same age as his subjects of the time, serving their as their handler, their consultant and their friend. He would go on to capture backstage moments no other photographer would be able to capture, armed with his Pentax camera and his subjects’ trust. “BACKBEAT” presents a rare opportunity to experience these lost photographs, showcasing Friedman’s remarkable eye for vulnerability, joy and energy between friends who would unknowingly go on too become American icons.
The November 15th opening reception will feature an artist talk with Michael Friedman, where he will share insights into his adventures in the music industry the incredible stories behind of the shots displayed. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with the photographs, enjoy live music, and partake in refreshments.
“Michael’s shots are a glimpse backstage, showing epic rock icons in a light no one has ever seen them,” said curator/producer P.J. Griffith of ClockJack Productions, “Up until now, no one has ever seen these spectacular moments in rock from within the eye of the hurricane that was the late 60’s and early 70’s. We are excited to share them with fans, both old and new.”
Greenwich Art + Design was founded by Suzanne Bellehumeur, a celebrated muralist and decorative painter whose work has been featured in Vogue, HGTV, The New York Times and Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. “Greenwich Art + Design is a living canvas where fine art, distinctive home décor, fashion and design come together,” said Suzanne Bellehumeur. “Each piece is carefully curated to inspire — from one-of-a-kind fine art, home décor and luxury textiles, to furniture, jewelry and clothing that transform interiors and lives into something extraordinary — items that spark conversation, elevate interiors and celebrate artistry from around the world.”
“BACKBEAT— The Lost Photography of Michael Friedman” will be open to the public from November 11, 2025, through January 4, 2026.
For more information about the exhibition, visit www.GreenwichArtAndDesign.com or contact the gallery directly at (203) 614-9430.
Details and RSVP to the opening available here — https://pp.events/backbeat