Ricky Powell

Ricky Powell dropped by the Clocktower to spin some rare 70s joints for Charlie Ahearn and to offer photographic proof of his adventures with the early Beastie Boys, Flavor Flav and Biz Markie, Keith Haring, Revolt, Lee, Dalek and other art luminaries documented in his book Public Access: Ricky Powell Photographs 1985-2005, published by powerHouse. Some of the prize gems to be heard are "2001" by Deo Dato, "Harlem River Drive" by Eddie Palmieri and "Sunshine of Your Love" by Ella Fitzgerald.



Thrown off the air when he was a DJ at Columbia University's radio station, Ricky Powell is known widely for his photography. His lens has captured everyone from Fab 5 Freddy to Public Enemy. He was on his way to becoming a gym teacher (or a frozen lemonade vendor) but got sidetracked by a Minolta Auto-Focus 35mm and his friends the Beastie Boys. Now known as the Official Photographer of Hip-Hop, Powell photographs and writes for The Source, Vibe, Grand Royal, Paper and (the now defunct) Ego Trip. Powell lives and works in his hometown New York.

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