Andrews’ Photographs Capture the Stars in a 
New Exhibit at the State Museum

The Tennessee State Museum will debut the work of noted photographer Nancy Lee Andrews in a forthcoming exhibition entitled, A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll and A Pinch of Country, opening on July 13th and continuing through August 31st.

            As a top, high-fashion model for Manhattan’s Ford Model Agency, Andrews worked with many of greatest photographers of the 1960s and 1970s — Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Dick Ballerian and Bert Stern. It was Milton Green, one of the most renowned fashion photographers of the time, who recognized she had an “eye” for the other side of the camera. This talent, combined with her romantic relationship with former Beatle Ringo Starr, granted her an “All Access Pass” to the world’s biggest rock stars.

            The exhibition of Andrews’ photography showcases the musical icons at the peak of American pop culture history — Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and Kim Carnes. Among the Rock’n’Roll royalty whose images were also captured during this time are Keith Moon, Donovan, Duane Allman and John Lennon.

            The Los Angeles home Andrews shared with Ringo in the mid-70s was a gathering place for both music and film stars of the period. The exhibition includes the photograph of a young Angelina Jolie at a birthday pool party for Jason Starkey, Ringo’s son.  Several of the images of Ringo, were he is shown in costume, were taken on the sets of the various motion pictures he appeared in during the 1970s.

            Andrews has enhanced many of her early photographs with modern-day digital presentation techniques that marry computer optimization with actual captured light. “I have been experimenting with photographic techniques for years. This is a serious art form,” Andrew explains.

             After moving to Nashville in 1994, Andrews began shooting such country music superstars as Big & Rich, Reba McEntire, George Jones and Martina McBride, among others.  “The moment is never the same and people are the most fascinating subjects on earth. I love what I do,” Andrews noted.

            In addition to CD packages and promotional photography for major recording labels, her work has appeared in and on the covers of McCall's, USA Today, JAZZIZ, Penthouse, Black Enterprise, Music Row, People, and other music publications.

Andrews’ exhibit compliments the release of her recently published book, A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll issued by Dalton Watson Fine Books.  A limited edition of 2,500, featuring  207 color and 98 black and white photos, numbered and signed by Andrews, contained in a protective slipcase. Andrew’s will available on Thursday, July 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. for a special book signing at the Museum Store, located inside the State Museum. Andrews will personalize her limited edition book and anyone wishing to join the Tennessee State Museum Foundation at this time will receive a 15 % discount on the purchase of the book and will be able to attend a private preview and special reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. of the same evening.

          The exhibition, A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll and A Pinch of Country is free and open to the public during normal museum hours. Located at Fifth and Deaderick Streets in downtown Nashville, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. 

Photographs of Ringo by Nancy Lee Andrews