Jack Robinson

Lily Tomlin, Silver Gelatin Print

1971 (Printed Later)

Jack Robinson, Jr. was born in Meridian, MS on September 18, 1928 to Jack Robinson, Sr. and Euline Jones. After graduating from Clarksdale High School in 1946, Jack moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University. In 1950, he began his professional career in photography. He captured the allure of the French Quarter and its nightlife, as well as the Mardi Gras festivities. In 1955, he moved to New York City, where he quickly became noted for his fashion photography. By 1959, he had snapped the cover for a special fashion edition of Life magazine and went on to work with Carrie Donovan at The New York Times until 1965. When Carrie moved to Vogue magazine, Jack followed, and his work was published in the magazine over 500 times between 1965 and 1972. Like so many other creative geniuses, Jack was inwardly tormented. He was gay during a time when homosexuality was not socially accepted, and this caused him great suffering. He also ran in the fast lane with Andy Warhol and company, and he eventually succumbed to the temptations of his social scene. As his dependence upon alcohol worsened, his career dwindled and his life deteriorated. Finally, in 1972, broke, addicted, and depressed, Jack moved back to Memphis, TN. He got clean, took a job as a stained glass designer, and left his life in New York City behind. In November 1997, Jack was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away within a month. Though Jack's career spanned only 17 years, they were pivotal years in contemporary culture. He documented the social changes that occurred in the 1960s and early 70s, as reflected by fashion, art, the written word, stage and cinema, and music. From the Beat Generation, as an insider and a participant, Jack captured on film what the world will remember for generations. “I look at these photos of some acquaintances, some friends, and some I don't know, and I feel closer to them than I ever imagined...all thanks to dear Jack. Jack Robinson, a man with whom I will be connected always—always in my heart.” -Cybill Shepherd “Jack was a joy to work with. He was very low key and gave his subjects freedom to evolve according to the spirit of the moment, which gives his work a refreshing spontaneity.” -Gloria Vanderbilt