Nostalgic Moments: Lynn Goldsmith's 'Streets of New York' at the Morrison Hotel Gallery - Tracy Kaler's New York Life + Travel Blog

Kevin Bacon 1982 © LYNN GOLDSMITH, 1982

Talk about a throwback. If this exhibit doesn’t leave you nostalgic for the music and city of yesteryear, I don’t know what will. Famed photographer Lynn Goldsmith started shooting rock and film legends on the streets of New York City in the 1970s, and more than 40 of her most memorable pieces are currently on exhibit at SoHo’s Morrison Hotel Gallery.

The “Streets of New York” photography collection triggered my own New York memories –– old taxis, gritty streets, and graffiti-tagged subways. These and other backdrops set the stage for Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Kevin Bacon, and U2, among others in the storied exhibit on view through May 6. I was simply captivated by these images as well as Goldsmith’s ability to humanize even the most iconic celebrities in one of the most cinematic locations: the streets of New York City.

Below is just a glimpse of these fantastic retro photos. I was most impressed by the settings and how many of the scenes looked spontaneous and unstaged, as if Goldsmith was out and about in the city and randomly snagged a shot of Keith Richards crossing a street, or Matt Dillon riding the 1/9 train.

If you have any time in the next few weeks, visit this evocative exhibit in person. I recommend that you break out some classic rock tunes such as “Born to Run” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” beforehand to set the mood.