“Ali Training, 1978.” © Harry Benson

For over 50 years, photographer Harry Benson has captured history in the making. His photojournalism and editorial work has appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines including Vanity Fair, where he is currently under contract; LIFE, where he worked from 1970 to 2000; and Newsweek. He’s photographed every U.S. president from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Barack H. Obama, the Berlin Wall going up and coming down, The Beatles’ first trip to America, and many illustrious subjects such as Muhammad Ali, John and Robert Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Staley-Wise Gallery in New York City is celebrating Benson’s distinguished career with the exhibition “Harry Benson: Work,” which opens today and runs through October 27, 2012.

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All photos © Harry Benson

In 1964, Scottish photojournalist Harry Benson was sent on an assignment by The Daily Express to accompany The Beatles to Paris. Over the next two years gained extraordinary access to the band members, documenting them as they encountered the full frenzy of Beatlemania, and when their 1966 tour was overshadowed by backlash after John Lennon was quoted as saying that “we’re more popular than Jesus.”

After a long and winding road (sorry, we couldn’t resist) Benson is now releasing hundreds of his images of The Beatles in a limited edition book published by Taschen. The Beatles On the Road 1964-1966 features some of Benson’s most famous photos, such as his shot of the Fab Four having a pillow fight in the George V Hotel, as well as many never before seen images.

Images from the book are being exhibited at the Taschen stores in New York and Los Angeles, and Benson will be signing copies during two upcoming events (space is limited, and RSVP is required). On June 6, 7 to 9pm, Benson will be at the Taschen Store in New York, 107 Greene Street, and be interviewed by Taschen author and editor Reuel Golden. On June 13, 7 to 9pm, he’ll be at 354 N. Beverly Drive, Los Angeles, along with Gary Kalamar, DJ at KCRW. To secure reservations, email store-ny@taschen.com or store-beverly@taschen.com.

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