Elektra Records Art Director Bob Heimall Created Album Covers For Rock’s Greatest

We’re diving deep into the world of iconic album cover art with our special guest, Frm. Elektra Records Art Director Bob Heimall.  A name behind some of the most memorable visuals in music history. From his humble beginnings at Elektra Records in the late 1960s to becoming the youngest art director in the business, Bob Heimall’s creativity has graced records by legends like Carly Simon, Jim Croce, The Doors, Bread, Iggy Pop, and even Yoko Ono.

You’ll hear Bob Heimall share personal stories, like joining Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin for an unforgettable moment in a New York penthouse, rubbing elbows with rock royalty, working with Carly Simon while she breastfed her son, and being the sole audience for Jim Croce’s final album performance just two weeks before tragedy struck. He’ll reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes about album art decisions—some even leading to legendary band debates—describe the step-by-step design process before Photoshop, and recount the emotional impact these collaborations left on him.

Plus, Bob Heimall discusses the cutthroat world of record labels, his transition from Elektra to Arista under Clive Davis, and reflects on the vital role music—and its packaging—plays in shaping our memories. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast, design lover, or music history buff, this episode is packed with untold stories, industry insights, and the passion that goes into creating the artwork we all grew up with.

(0:00) "Starting at Elektra Records"

(4:14) "Music Legends at the Hilton"

(9:14) "Redefining Album Cover Art"

(11:45) "Early Album Cover Design Process"

(15:41) Carly's Jingles and Brother

(18:19) "Unplanned Success, Captured Moment"

(22:04) "Music, Photos, and Choices"

24:39 "Following the Music"

(28:45) "Rejected Naked Silhouette Cover"

(30:17) "Innovative Multi-Fold Album Design"

(33:30) "Reflecting on Jim Croce's Death"

(38:13) "Asthma, Draft Exception, Jersey Shore"

(41:40) "QuadSound and Career Transition"

(43:59) "High-Stakes Creative Meetings"

(46:15) "Jack's Artistic Integrity Struggle"

(48:45) "Pool Nights in the Office"

(53:56) "The Band's Big Pink Album Cover Story"

(56:19) "The Doors Strange Days Album Cover Controversy"

(59:19) "Cover Stories Book"

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