'Who Shot Rock & Roll'

The family tried to escape the heat by heading down to Los Angeles Saturday for a bit of sightseeing. 

First stop was to see an excellent multimedia program titled "Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present." 

The focus of the show at The Annenberg Space for Photography is on 166 prints capturing a wide variety of bands, genres and moments. The lineup of more than 100 contributing photographers is stunning and the Annenberg has given their work the royal treatment.

Many of the photos have taken on iconic status. But many are lesser-known but equally deserving of attention, particularly those that capture the performers before they achieved superstardom (Elvis, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Patti Smith among them). 

Equally impressive is a half-hour or so companion video documentary that's well produced and vividly shown in 4K resolution. Here you see and hear the photographers share the stories behind iconic images and what it takes to wait for just the right moments. 

We didn't try it but there's also a QR-code triggered audio tour. 

I can't recommend this free show enough, and I think I'll try to head back down to hear some of the photographers in person as part of an impressive list of weekly lectures the Annenberg has scheduled through Oct. 4. The show closes Oct. 7.