Michael A. Russ

In 1983, Tom Waits visited Michael A. Russ’ exhibition Prussian Blue and commissioned him to create the artwork for his upcoming album, Swordfishtrombones.

The album cover features Tom Waits alongside actors Lee Kolima and Angelo Rossitto, who would go on to appear in his “In The Neighborhood” music video. The video was co-directed by Michael A. Russ and Haskell Wexler, and the concept was born out of the album artwork.

Michael discussed both shoots with David Smay for his book Swordfishtrombones:

30 years later, Michael has opened his archive, making fine art prints from the legendary shoot available: Swordfishtrombones Cover Art Gallery

Michael has recently published a limited edition book, featuring previously unpublished images: Swordfishtrombones – The Shoot

A letter from Tom Waits:

(Photo credit: Kind permission of Michael A. Russ)