We had the indelible pleasure of sitting with Legendary Creative Ad man (responsible for some of the most iconic creative moments in the history of ad imagery for over 30 years, from Calvin Klein, to Versace, Abercrombie to Dolce and many, many more) Mr. Sam Shahid in his offices recently to take a sneak peek at his latest book (he has served as art director of over one hundred books),
“AND THE BAND WAS PLAYING A GAY TUNE”
“(This book)is very personal to me, and in some ways, has been in the works for over four decades. In the early 1970’s my friends used to call me on Sundays and asked me to come over with my camera and photograph them dressing up, dressing down and just capture their lives and newfound acceptance into society. I didn’t know it then, but I was documenting a group of friends celebrating being who they were, being gay, embracing life and all the joy that comes from listening to a happy tune!”
This latest work of art from Sam Shahid is not just another coffee table photo book. It spans over 30 decades and is a visual history lesson from sexy 70’s candid images, Pride parade images of then and now, P-Town revelry, couples sharing honest and tender moments, 80’s Gay fashion being loud and proud, activists on Capital Hill then and now, marriage equality and our struggles, all while celebrating Life and being joyous and accepting of who we are! You can hear the music play a gay tune with the turn of every single page.
What a wonderful tribute to all those who have come before us. It is only fitting that Sam is donating all the proceeds made from his book, AND THE BAND WAS PLAYING A GAY TUNE, to ACRIA, benefiting HIV treatment and prevention.
