Alfred Wertheimer dies - A veteran photographer, whose celebrated works reflects moments in the historic lives of some of the most important personalities in modern American history, has been confirmed dead.
Alfred Wertheimer dies at 85, after enjoying a successful career behind the lens. According to Govinda Gallery's Chris Murray, the photographer died of natural causes in his New York home on Monday.
As news that Alfred Wertheimer dies makes waves all over the world, the spotlight is turned to his catalogue of rock music's own Elvis Presley. Alfred Wertheimer's photos of Elvis - 2,500 to be exact - are widely regarded as one of the most insightful documentaries about the life of the mega music star.
Alfred Wertheimer revealed that he was contracted to take some pictures of Elvis Presley in March 1956 - sometime before the Jailhouse Rock singer gained widespread recognition. He said he did not know the young musician before he was introduced to him.
Wertheimer has noted his impressions of Elvis Presley that he "was young [at the time] being only 21 years old. I found him to be quiet, intensely focused except when he was in front of the cameras in performance. There he was explosive with his whole body from top to bottom & loud!"
Many commentators have underscored the fact that even as Alfred Wertheimer dies, his work would continue to speak of his life for some time to come. The photographer also took memorable shots of other notable personalities including Eleanor Roosevelt, Nina Simone, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.
Alfred Wertheimer dies at a time when his 'Elvis at 21' exhibition is grinding to a halt after being staged in museums across the country for nearly half a decade. Reports indicate that the collection is set to be staged at The National Portrait Gallery of Australia sometime in December. The Govinda Gallery, which is one of the first places where Alfred Wertheimer's photos of Elvis were displayed in recent times, have described the photos as 'a national treasure."
