THROUGH THE LENS: Our Favorite Roots Music Photos of 2024

This week’s column serendipitously falls on Christmas Eve and, thus, could be viewed as a holiday present to ND readers.  The gallery features a representative sampling of the many outstanding photos taken this year by 32 ND photographers. From the Eastern United States to Australia, over one hundred photos, from festivals to honkytonks, are displayed. They cover the many branches of roots music, bluegrass, blues, alt country, Black country, jazz, indie rock, punk, soul, singer-songwriter, there’s something for everyone. 

While the primary criteria for the selection is, of course, based on technical qualities, emphasis is also given to the vitality, the exuberance, and outpouring of emotion displayed by the performers. The photos also illustrate the persistence of the ND photographers who consistently demonstrate their commitment to the art of live music photography.

You will not find a more encompassing group of photos of performers anywhere, regardless of genre. From legends such as Robert Pant, Mick Jagger, Buddy Guy, and Del McCoury to ND faves like Sarah Jarosz(whose album Polaroid Lovers just topped our 2024 critics’ poll), Rhiannon Giddens, Sierra Ferrell, Larkin Poe, Jason Isbell, and Brandi Carlile, this week’s column is a humdinger.

While quite a few of the photos below have been included in this column throughout the year, many have not. Therefore, I urge to take your time when viewing them, ideally via the slideshow option while sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate in hand.

Click on any photo below to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.