Country Boy

by Andrew Parks

art

Most photographers shoot local personalities or politicians on their first assignment. Boston's After Dark weekly dropped Henry Horenstein in front of Dolly Parton.

"I was nervous, shy and already in love with Dolly," Horenstein says. "She called me "honey' several times and I decided to take it personally."

As they often say, this was just the beginning. Another job got him into the fourth-floor Ramada Inn penthouse of Jerry Lee Lewis. The manic performer opened the door himself, called Horenstein "killer" and proceeded to direct the photo shoot.

"Being called "killer' by Jerry Lee and "honey' by Dolly: What can I say?" he asks.

The exhibition "Honky Tonk" and its accompanying coffee table book (Chronicle) speak for Horenstein's career quite well themselves. His gorgeous black-and-white prints cover a golden age of country (1972 to 1981) and include candid photos of Hank Williams Jr., Tammy Wynette, Hillbilly Tex (pictured) and White Stripes-muse Loretta Lynn. More than just a chronicle of a storied career (Horenstein has published more than 15 books and shown works across the country), the exhibit pays tribute to a beloved, long-lost lifestyle and era.

"In those days, country musicians didn't want to be rock stars and they were much more appreciative of their fans and the press, and less jaded," Horenstein says.

So, does that mean you're stuck on the '70s?

"Truthfully, a lot of the music of any era, including when I took these pictures, stinks. The difference, I think, is that today's music is so highly produced and contrived. Even bad country music of the '70s had a charm and individuality, though this didn't always make it easy to listen to."

"Honky Tonk: Portraits of Country Music 1972-1981," opening reception Thu., July 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (with performance by bluegrass band Fred's Mobile Homes and beer from Victory Brewing Company), exhibition through Aug. 21, The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St., 215-735-6090, www.printcenter.org; after-party, $5 cover, Bob & Barbara's, 1509 South St., 215-545-4511.