James Dean

“Rebel Without A Cause” was the title of one of his movies, and the label that would one day make him an American Icon. Although it should have been a Rebellion with a cause. after James Dean came along a whole generation became one step cooler, more independent, or at least we learned how to wear a leather jacket properly with the collar up. James Dean was the key, better yet, he opened the door to what followed with a whole new era of a rock and roll generation. Steve Kaufman who has created portraits of icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mantle, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and living legends such as Muhammad Ali, just to name a few, chose two of the most famous photographed portraits of James Dean: The image used for the U.S. Postal stamp from the “Torn Sweater” series as well as that from the cover of Roy Schatt’s book “James Dean” a portrait.