music – stephenlirakis.com

HARMONY

I saw the Everly Brothers in Greenwich Village in the early sixties. Their popularity may have been derailed by the emergence of the Beatles. Their songs certainly touched a cord and their harmony was unmatched.

THEY’RE NOT POOR, THEY JUST DON’T HAVE MONEY

Here is the story of a humble, intelligent, articulate, man. My favorite movie written and directed by Michael Powell “I Know Where I’m Going” contains the line : “They’re not poor, They just don’t have money”. When I first saw the movie, it was a revelation for me that someone else had the same thought. Over the years I have met a few more like minded people, some very much like to Rodriguez. But their story was never quite so complete, nor publicized.

This has been one of the recurring themes in my photography as well; the dignity of man. We make it hard for a poor man to have dignity. If I photograph Ted Turner, Russell Coutts, or a famous actor or actress, it can immediately generate interest. But the story of the everyday man leading an everyday life does not. The is no glamour; I will freely admit. The story of Herbert Vogel fits here as well.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS AND OTHER THINGS

In a world were every day we wake up to unknown tragedy. It is nice to find relief it something simple.

AMY WINEHOUSE 1983-2011

Of all the contemporary artists with troubled lives; Amy Winehouse was the one who for me had a talent that one wondered where it came from. I confess being completely seduced by her music. Her life was a train wreck waiting to happen.