1-24-2020

A native of northwestern Ohio, Jon Sievert earned his degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University in 1965 and worked briefly as a staff photographer for the Toledo Blade newspaper. In 1969 he moved to San Francisco where he began to document the flourishing music scene—frequently selling these photos to local newspapers.

A 1972 cover story began a relationship with Guitar Player magazine—and sister publications Keyboard and Frets—that was to last for more than 25 years. During his tenure there Jon served as a feature writer, editor, and chief photographer, interviewing dozens of artists and photographing hundreds of world-class musicians across all genres.

Jon’s images have appeared on magazine covers, dozens of album covers, in film and television productions, and in countless books and publications worldwide. He published his first book, Concert Photography, in 1996, a detailed how-to guide and resource directory for aspiring music photographers. In 2003, Jon moved to central Mexico with his wife and two border collies. He lived there until his passing in January 2020.