Herbert “Herbie” W. Worthington III — beloved friend, colleague, and rock music photographer — has passed away. He was 69 at the time of his death. Police found Worthington’s body at his South Pasadena home on Sunday afternoon, according to the South Pasadena Review. Sources reveal that Worthington may have been dead for several days. The cause of his death is under investigation.
Worthington is best known for photographing Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1977 album cover Rumours. Providing the concept, inspiration, and even the foot stool for the Rumours album cover, Worthington captured the mystical allure of the band and was instrumental in creating the iconic imagery (like the crystal ball) that is still associated with Fleetwood Mac today. He continued to have a professional relationship with Fleetwood Mac frontwoman Stevie Nicks, photographing the covers of her first two albums Bella Donna and The Wild Heart, and most of the photos for her third album Rock a Little, among many other projects for her. Worthington also photographed covers for Buddy Miles, Paris, and Lita Ford in his 25+ years as a rock music photographer.
In recent years, Worthington maintained a relatively low profile, but kept in touch with the band. In 1997, Worthington gave an interview for Classic Albums Rumours, a documentary on the recording of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, in which he provided insight into the lively and spontaneous photo session for the album’s cover. Fans who have met Worthington in person have described him as a warm, approachable man who always had time to talk and sign an autograph.
Herbert Worthington’s work with Stevie Nicks lives on in calendars and posters that he printed and high resolution prints that he has shared with The Nicks Fix, Stevie’s official website.
A tribute page for Worthington has been created on Facebook.
