The late Danish photographer Bent Rej (1940–2016) left behind an extraordinary visual legacy that continues to resonate with music and culture fans alike. Known for his bold contrasts and ability to capture both glamour and grit, Rej documented some of the most important rock and roll figures of the 1960s. Among them was Bob Dylan, whom he photographed during the folk-rock legend’s world tour in May 1966.
Rej’s photographs from Dylan’s European tour capture this moment of transformation. Using mostly black-and-white film, Rej brought striking definition to Dylan’s patterned clothing, tousled hair, and jet-black Wayfarers. The images portray not only a performer at the peak of his creativity but also a young man stepping into the role of cultural icon.
These Copenhagen photographs sit alongside Rej’s larger body of work, which includes equally intimate portrayals of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and other defining figures of the 1960s music explosion. His ability to blend into the scene — fashionable, youthful, and persistent — allowed him to capture artists in ways few others could.
