February 11, 2012

In 1971, LIFE Magazine photographer John Olson wanted to get a sense of the life stories behind some of the world's biggest rock stars. So, naturally, he visited them at home -- or more specifically, at the homes of their parents.

Now the U.K.'s Daily Mail has shared Olson's portraits with the world once again, prompting a new appreciation not only of the intimate personal histories conveyed by these family photos, but of the very fine approach to personal decorating in 1971, at least as seen in the houses bought by rock stars for their parents.

Elton John with his mother Sheila and stepfather Fred Fairebrother:

Eric Clapton with his grandmother, Rose Clapp:

Frank Zappa with his parents, Francis and Rosemarie:

The Jackson Family at home:

David Crosby with his father, Floyd:

Richie Havens in the apartment of his parents, Richard and Mildred:

Donovan with his parents Donald and Winifred Leitch:

Joe Cocker with his mother, Marjorie:

Grace Slick, with her mother Virginia Wing, while Slick was still pregnant with her daughter, China Wing Kantner.

And again, after China was born:

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Sources:

The Daily Mail