Gordon Parks
American photographer and director
Gordon Parks Rank
About Gordon Parks
After seeing a picture of migrant workers captured in a magazine, Gordon Parks developed a love for photography and decided to pursue a career in it. Due to his zeal and commitment, he learnt how to operate the cameras on his own.
His first works caught the eyes of many including Marva Louis, spouse of boxer Joe Louis, who convinced him to start a business in Chicago. He went on to work for a number of companies before he was hired by the Farm Security Administration in 1941. It was during his time with the organization that he produced arguably his most popular work titled “American Gothic, Washington, D.C.”.
Some of his well-known works were under the captions “Car Loaded with Furniture on Highway” and “Dinner Time at Mr. Hercules Brown's Home”.
Other businesses
Aside from photography, Parks also explored other business avenues. He was a renowned writer who published many literary works with some titled “Shannon” and “Voices in the Mirror”.
He was also into music and entertained the public with his piano skills. In 1953, he composed “Concerto for Piano and Orchestra” and added “Tree Symphony” 14 years later.
As a filmmaker, he directed the film titled “Shaft” which was released in 1971. He also worked on many films like “The Learning Tree” and “Leadbelly”.
Family
His full name was Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks. He was raised by his parents Sarah Ross and Andrew Jackson Parks, alongside 14 other siblings. He divorced his first wife Sally Alvis in 1961, and tied the knot with Elizabeth Campbell the following year. He later married Genevieve Young, a Chinese-American editor, in 1973.
He left behind four children including film director Gordon Parks, Jr. and David Parks, an author.
Achievements
Parks was decorated with many awards including Jackie Robinson Foundation’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” and the "Living Legend" accolade by the Library of Congress.
Trivia
Before starting his photography work, he took up many jobs such as traveling waiter, basketball player, and a bus boy.
Gordon Parks Rank
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F.A.Q. about Gordon Parks
When is his birthday?
Gordon Parks' birthday is on November 30, 1912.
In how many days is his birthday?
Gordon Parks' birthday is in 225 days
How old was Gordon Parks when he died?
He was 93 years old.
When did he die?
He died in March 7, 2006.
How old would he be today?
Gordon Parks would be 111 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Gordon Parks from?
He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, U.S..