TGM Classic | Michael Zagaris | A Visual Archive of Sound: The Journey of a Rock 'n' Roll Photographer

The Greatness Machine

Darius Mirshahzadeh

Entrepreneurship, Education, Business

5 • 962 Ratings

🗓️ 19 May 2025

⏱️ 73 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What qualities set apart a legendary rock photographer whose work resonates with the soul of a generation and captures the spirit of an entire era? In the heart of rock 'n' roll's whirlwind, Michael Zagaris emerges as an iconic figure, the man behind the lens who documented the defining moments of music history. With a camera as his tool, he captured the raw energy, vulnerability, and unadulterated authenticity of the legends that graced the world's most legendary stages. His photographs transcend mere visuals, serving as sonic snapshots that pulse with the rhythms of a bygone era. Yet, beyond the photographic frame, Michael remains a mystic seeker of life's hidden melodies, an artist with a relentless drive for the extraordinary. His story is an intricately woven tapestry of artistic integrity, the allure of adventure, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity that defined the rock 'n' roll era. This episode of The Greatness Machine explores Michael's transition from law school to rock 'n' roll photography, his work with iconic musicians, and his role as a documentarian during the civil rights movement, highlighting the inspiring journey of an artist who followed his true calling against conventional expectations. Topics include: Michael looks back at how he started taking pictures at a very young age Michael shares what it was like working with Robert Kennedy What introduced Michael to rock ‘n’ roll photography Michael reflects on the meaning of life Michael spills the craziest experiences he had as a rock photographer And other topics… Connect with Michael: Website: https://morrisonhotelgallery.com/collections/michael-zagaris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-zagaris-011b857 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelzagaris/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.zagaris/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Field-Play-Years-NFL-Photography/dp/1951836766 Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsored by: Brevo: Get started free or save 50% for 3 months with code GREATNESS at brevo.com/greatness. Huel: Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code greatness at https://huel.com/greatness. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Notion: Get Notion Mail for free right now at notion.com/machine. ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	When I started this podcast, I had to figure out everything out on my own.
0:03.8	Scripts, branding, editing.
0:06.4	It was a lot.
0:07.3	If I had Shopify back then, game changer.
0:09.9	Shopify powers millions of businesses, including 10% of all U.S.
0:13.5	e-commerce with tools to build your online store, write content with AI, and run marketing
0:17.9	like a pro.
0:18.9	Turn your big idea into with Shopify on your side.
0:22.8	Start with your $1 per month trial at Shopify.com slash darius. That's Shopify.com
0:29.1	slash darius. Need to hire someone fast. It can feel impossible, but it doesn't have to be. Indeed
0:34.7	makes it simple to find the right candidates quickly. With sponsored jobs on Indeed, your post moves to the top of the page so you can reach qualified candidates faster.
0:42.2	Get this. Sponsored jobs, get 45% more applications than non-sponsored ones. No subscriptions, no long-term contracts, just results.
0:49.4	Start hiring a day and get $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com slash Darius. Support our show by heading to Indeed.com slash Darius.
0:57.0	Terms and conditions apply.
0:58.3	Hiring, Indeed is all you need.
1:04.4	What's up, gang?
1:05.4	Welcome to The Greatness Machine.
1:06.4	I'm your host Darius from Shazda.
1:07.7	I'm so pumped to have you here with me.
1:09.1	And listen, the greatness machine were about two things. Number one, people were living their passions. And number two,
1:15.4	those who are creating greatness in the world and doing both of these things despite the odds
1:19.1	against them. Each episode, we're going to feature interviews with game changers, business
	...

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