RIP David Johansen. RIP Joey Molland. May they and their music live forever.
-Daniel
March 1, 2025
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
RIP Don Sturkey
Years ago, I wanted to be Don Sturkey when I grew up. For over forty years, Don and his camera lit up the pages of the Charlotte Observer with his images. His ability to cover both hard news stories, and arts and music in a daily newspaper format is something we may never see again. Be it Elvis Presley at the Charlotte Coliseum in 1956, slice of life images from the bustling southern cities, to the dusty roads of rural communities, Don was there. Day in, day out. Consistent, and as good a working photographer as you may ever see.
The first time I met Don was in 2001, when he had an exhibition of his work at the Main Library. Also in attendance was all of the Observer and News photographers that had worked alongside him. Jeep Hunter, Tommy Franklin and so many more. I had been shooting for the Observer at that point for less than a year. The freelancer that the Observer sent to cover the event tried hard to ignore me. Don and his fellow photography vets treated me as an equal, a peer. It was a lesson I've tried hard not to forget.
For all of his accomplishments and accolades, Don was always composed, and quietly confident. I tried hard not to gush to him about what he and his work meant to me, so I instead took photos of him at every chance I was given. Be it exhibits in Charlotte or Shelby, or the party that they threw to close down the Observer building in 2016. I made sure to get photos of Don with Jeep Hunter as they exited the building. For those of us that pick up a camera, a photo can mean so much, and can mean so much more as the days pass by.
Don left this physical place last week for his next assignment. Like Jeep, Tommy and so many others, they and their work are still here, even after their bodies pass on. If you're lucky, what you create lives on after we do. The work flows from us, and beyond us. Sooner or later, that is all we can hope for.
I wanted to be Don Sturkey when I grew up. I still do.
Safe travels, Don. Thank you. Until I photograph you again, in the great gig in the sky.
-Daniel
March 2, 2025
Goldmine Feature On My Beckies Reissue
https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/the-beckies-70s-album-with-left-bankes-michael-brown-now-expanded?fbclid=IwY2xjawI0W7tleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeRnfjk_uWrKMLkB9jHFSJgnU5v54hFXXB96WMXXcZWOHjfIA2OSOMGoMA_aem_XAY8S1inD4NFj2FnJUyoQA
-Daniel
March 4, 2025
Avett Prints Available In Theatre Charlotte Auction
Hello all. I've donated prints of two of my photos from the recent Avett Brothers NYE show to an auction benefiting Theatre Charlotte. Both are prints made just for the auction, and are signed by yours truly. Spread the word, and Avett on.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
RIP Earl Gainey
Time is fleeting. Time is a monster.
Earl Gainey was Maurice Williams' longtime friend, and co-founder in both the Junior Harmonizers, Royal Charms and Gladiolas. From their homes in Lancaster, SC came music that has, and will continue to change the world.
Through friend and later Zodiac member Lebo Blackman, I was able to interview Earl Gainey in Lancaster. The stories that Earl had about those days was remarkable and revelatory. I learned a lot about Earl that day, as well. After the interview, I had Lebo and Earl pose for photos, using one of my usual mantras, "I want to do this, I have to do this."
I just learned that Earl left this place last week for his next adventure, one that Earl even spoke about during our interview. I want to listen to that interview, but I'm not ready to right now. Someday soon, as I hope that all of the stories that I've recently collected will be shared and passed on.
Thank you, Earl. Tell Maurice I said hello.
Hug your friends, hug your loved ones, and share your stories. Time is an elusive shapeshifter, and sometimes can move too fast, and all too quickly.
-Daniel
February 12, 2025
RIP Phil Lowe
RIP to Phil Lowe, drummer of the Good Bad & The Ugly, Barons and more. I'm so glad that I got the GBU to reunite for two of our Charlotte 60s shows reunion shows. Thank you, Phil. Play some "Repent Walpurgis" up there for me, and tell Sir Gary Brooker that I said hello.
-Daniel
February 12, 2025
Photos of GBU from 2014 to 2021 by Daniel Coston.
Monday, February 10, 2025
New Article On Me
https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-daniel-coston/
-Daniel
February 10, 2025
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