Michael Bolton

The quintessential collection of iconic photographs and poignant texts that reveal the visual and cultural legacy of American icon Michael Bolton, as captured by longtime collaborator, renowned photographer, and dear friend Timothy White.

In 1987, up-and-coming celebrity photographer Timothy White got a call from American musician Michael Bolotin’s (now Bolton) record company, asking him to work on a photo shoot. When Bolton came over to his studio, Timothy was struck by his calm persona, dry wit, and superb sense of humor. The two immediately hit it off. The resulting full-of-life photographs that captured Bolton’s charisma and charm marked the start of not only a professional but also a personal relationship that would come to establish Bolton’s visual legacy and identity.

Michael Bolton contains White’s handpicked collection of cinematic photographs featuring Bolton, on view together for the first time ever. The wide range of works include: Bolton with his trademark wavy locks blowing in the wind, pictures in his breathtaking neoclassical home, classic editorial studio shots, and heartwarming selections from shoots across a variety of urban and rural landscapes. The work spans decades, featuring Bolton at all stages of his career. Timothy shot some of his most recognizable photographs and album covers, and Bolton’s visual legacy is captured here in all its glory. It tells the story of two parallel and singular artistic careers.

Original quotes from celebrities are peppered throughout the book’s pages and highlight Bolton’s impact on a range of famous lives and on wider society.

Michael Jordan notes Bolton’s “God-given talent,” Kenny G declares Bolton has an undeniable gift, and Zelma Redding shares she was brought to tears by Bolton’s performances. Additional mash notes from Andy Samberg, Zoey Deschanel, Will Ferrell, Dolly Parton, Bill Clinton, and Michael Jordan, to name a few, fill out the testimonials of love. Bolton and White themselves contribute text, as well as Grammy-award winning American record producer and former president of Columbia Records, Clive Davis. Andy Samberg corks the tome with his take on the artist and music.

Michael Bolton is released alongside Bolton’s hilarious new podcast Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Podcast and a blues CD, featuring a wide array of Bolton’s previously unpublished, trademark covers. Chock-full of cinematic visuals and touching, personal texts that reveal a side of the enigmatic megastar that has never been presented before, the book portrays a comprehensive visual overview of the beloved performer and his impact on popular culture, while also highlighting an intimate collaboration between two exemplars of their respective talent fields.