https://digital.library.unt.edu/
The UNT CoLab is preparing to celebrate two legendary careers, and one very important birthday, in style with its newest exhibition opening on April 28.
“Celebrating Willie Nelson: A UNT Special Collections Exhibit” features a collection of artistic works from illustrator and graphic designer Steve Brooks, who worked with the country music icon in the 70s and 80s.
An accomplished artist, Brooks designed tour posters and promo materials for some of the biggest musical acts of those eras, like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Elton John and many more. Some of his most prolific work, however, came during his time with Nelson, who will be celebrating his 90th birthday on April 29.
Just the day before, on April 28, the UNT CoLab will be opening its new exhibition showcasing a number of artistic works spanning Brooks’ time with Nelson, such as gig posters, concert t-shirts, guitar picks and more.
Steve Brooks Collection – UNT Digital Library
Thanks to Janis Tillerson, who attend the opening event tonight, and shared photos with us.
Artist Steve Brooks was born in 1949 in Dallas, Texas. He studied advertising art at North Texas State University from 1969 to 1971, and also taught himself to work in pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor. He went on to a career in concert promotion designs for prominent musical artists in the 1970s and 1980s.
Spanning 1970-2019, the physical collection includes concert posters, handbills, original artwork, hand cut film for illustrations, color illustrations, pen and ink illustrations, and sketchbook drawings for bands such as Alice Cooper, Chicago, Ten Years After, The Doors, Three Dog Night, Neil Diamond, Melanie, The Beach Boys, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, B.B King, David Cassidy, Led Zeppelin, Sly and the Family Stone, Elton John and many more.
It also contains an extensive range of items produced for musician Willie Nelson including t-shirts, promotional materials, newspapers, magazines, concert posters, handbills, original artworks created for Nelson’s tours, and promotional materials for the movie Honeysuckle Rose (also known by the title On the Road Again).
Booklets, magazines, newspaper articles, and calendars are also part of the collection. There is also a large digital collection.
See more photos here Steve Brooks Collection – UNT Digital Library
