American artist, art director, and designer Gary Burden died March 9, 2018. He specialized in album covers. In the 1960s and 1970s, he designed covers for many well-known rock musicians: Mama Cas; Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; Joni Mitchell; The Doors; The Eagles; Neil Young; and Jackson Browne.
“GRAMMY winner Gary Burden was a legendary artist praised for conceiving designs for many classic album covers for more than 40 years,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “A pioneer in his field, Burden played a significant role in conceptualizing album packaging for The Doors’ Morrison Hotel, Joni Mitchell’s Blue, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Déjà Vu, among others.”
Portnow added: “He earned five GRAMMY nominations during his career and was awarded the Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package GRAMMY for his contributions to the album design for Neil Young Archives Vol. I (1963-1972) for 2009.
Burden will be deeply missed, but remembered for shaping the visual element of the music listening experience for artists and listeners alike. Our thoughts are with Gary’s family, friends, and fellow colleagues during this difficult time.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
