EXCLUSIVE: Jim Marshall, dubbed the “godfather of rock ‘n’ roll photography”, is the subject of a new movie biopic.
Known for his all-access, intimate style and strong personality, Marshall captured a number of the most iconic artists of his era. His adventures landed him as the only photographer backstage at The Beatles’ final concert, documenting Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival, capturing Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, and he was one of the main chroniclers of Woodstock.
Other artists he was famous for capturing include Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, The Who, Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead, Guns N’ Roses, Santana and Miles Davis. Below are some of his iconic photos.
Beyond music, the U.S. photographer chronicled the 1960s counterculture, anti-war protests, and the realities of poverty. In 1967, he briefly dated Folgers coffee heiress, Abigail Folger, who was murdered in 1969 by followers of Charles Manson. In 2014, four years after his passing, Marshall became the first photographer to receive the Recording Academy’s Trustees Award.
Filmmakers Jason Noto (Beyond the Night) and Tim Cronin (The Things We Carry) in collaboration with the Jim Marshall estate, are developing the narrative feature.
Working directly with estate holder Amelia Davis and her longtime partner Bonita Passarelli, the filmmakers secured Marshall’s life rights and have been commissioned to write the fictionalized narrative biopic.
The movie is expected to explore the birth of rock-and-roll and the rise of the counterculture through Marshall’s lens. His work remains potent. The March 2026 Rolling Stone Special Edition cover featured Marshall’s iconic photography of The Grateful Dead.
“We believe this is the right moment to tell Jim Marshall’s story,” said Noto. “He stood for presence, authorship, and creative independence. At a time when technology is reshaping how work is made and monetized, those principles feel more vital than ever.”
Cronin stated: “Our intention is to tell this story with uncompromising fearlessness — to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of Jim Marshall’s complex life while honoring the integrity of his iconic career. It’s about capturing something deeply human and undeniably bold within a defining era in American history.”
Noto’s credits include co-directing short film Sweet Tooth starring Timothée Chalamet, producing movie El Camino starring Elisabeth Moss, and directing feature Beyond the Night, starring Tammy Blanchard and Azhy Robertson. Cronin producing credits include The Things We Carry, starring Michael Madsen and Elizabeth Grullon, and documentary TV series NHK Special.
The Beatles, courtesy Jim Marshall Photography
Janis Joplin, © Jim Marshall Photography LLC
Jimi Hendrix sound check Monterey Pop Festival 1967© Jim Marshall Photography LLC
Jim Marshall, courtesy Jim Marshall
