Sometime in 2017 I was introduced to the work of legendary photojournalist Don Aters. Don spent alot of time shooting photos of the Woodstock era , among many other great artists over the years, and was revered by his peers.
WOODSTOCK 1969
In 2018 through a mutual associate in the industry, I organized an interview and show of the work of this legendary photojournalist, at the Sheraton Jetport Hotel in Allentown.
DON AND ALEXXIS STEELE #1
DON AND ALEXXIS STEELE INTERVIEW
From that one show on September 21st, 2018, started a long business relationship and friendship. Don started contributing to our magazine by sending me various narratives and photos from shows he attended, and was always a pleasure to work with. Don was well known in the industry , as his work speaks for itself.
JOHN LENNON
PAUL MC CARTNEY
He has photographed the worlds most prestigious entertainers in the field, from John Lennon and Paul McCartney, to Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, and Janis Joplin to name a few.
STEVIE NICKS
ALISON KRAUSE & ROBERT PLANT
JANIS JOPLIN
DON AT WORK!
Just recently Don had submitted a narrative and photos for Bonnaroo 2022, his final review and photos, which will be in our upcoming 8th Anniversary magazine issue.
Shortly before he passed away, he sent me a few text messages that had just photos in them, and I meant to call to ask him where he wanted them to go, but I was too late.
I was on Facebook when a saw a post by Grateful Dead keyboardist "TC", Tom Constanten, who Don introduced me to so I could do an interview with him for my IHeartRadio show called Music 101 With Alexxis Steele.
I had to look at it a few times before reality set in, and I called TC to confirm his passing and find out the details. I was very shocked and saddened by the loss of this very talented photojournalist, whom I had the pleasure of calling friend.
The world has lost a very special man, and a well revered photographer by his peers. I will miss the emails and messages about the shows and narratives Don wanted to do for the magazine. but most of all I will miss the telephone calls and hearing the voice of my friend, Don Aters. RIP
DON ATERS WITH "TC" TOM CONSTANTEN
