From 1955 to 1960, a Cleveland DJ by the name of Tommy Edwards had the great foresight to snap photos of folks who came through his studio. He is credited by some people as being the first or one of the first to recognize and promote Elvis Presley, for example, Edwards had a knack for the future and what would some day be important. Maybe he had a vision that the photos he took would become arguably among the most comprehensive color records(photos) of the early rock ‘n’ roll culture. Or Maybe Not!
Either way, Edwards meticulously captured numerous candid moments on Ektachrome slide film. His collection includes a young Elvis Presley, a pre-shades Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash at 25 — as well as pop stars and Hollywood hopefuls. After Edwards’ death in 1981, the photos all but disappeared from memory — until now.
