About Visions of America
A Photo-Symphony Concert
Visions of America is the signature multimedia concert event from photo-historian Joseph Sohm — a sweeping visual and musical portrait of the United States told through iconic imagery, orchestral score, and spoken narration. Spanning over 30 years and all 50 states, the production asks one central question: How do you photograph democracy?
Through Sohm’s lens and the music of Grammy-winning composer Roger Kellaway, Visions of America transforms that question into a live performance that’s equal parts symphonic experience, historical meditation, and celebration of the American spirit. The project is the foundation of Sohm’s creative legacy, with the concert, book, film, and educational programs all carrying its name.
Performance Highlights
World Premiere:
January 2009, Kimmel Center / Verizon Hall, Philadelphia
Performed by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops
Narrated by Clint Eastwood
Vocalist: Patti Austin
June 2012, Symphony Hall, Boston
Performed by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops
Narrated by Clint Eastwood
Vocalist: Patti Austin
West Coast Premiere:
January 2010, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
Featuring Steve Tyrell, Judith Hill, and the New West Symphony
Additional Performances:
Santa Monica, Ojai, New York, and other locations across the U.S.
With support from the Bank of America Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation, and others
Visions of America continues to tour as a multimedia performance, lecture series, and educational experience — inviting audiences to reflect on the evolving American story through sight, sound, and civic imagination.
Credits & Collaborators
Photography & Concept: Joseph Sohm
Composer & Musical Director: Roger Kellaway
Theme Lyrics: Alan & Marilyn Bergman
Narration: Clint Eastwood
Premiere Orchestra: The Philly Pops
Roger Kellaway — an Oscar-nominated, Grammy-winning composer known for his genre-defying musical range — composed and arranged the full orchestral score. He is joined by legendary lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, whose contributions include the original concert theme, We the People. Narration for the premiere performance was recorded by Clint Eastwood, bringing gravitas and intimacy to the live concert experience.
Additional vocal performances have featured Patti Austin, Steve Tyrell, and Judith Hill.
We the People
Part of Joe Sohm’s Visions of America, “We the People,” the theme for his upcoming TV production Visions of Democracy, features vocalist Sheléa Frazier (on Quincy Jones’s label) with narration by William Shatner, set to Sohm’s panoramic 50-state imagery. Music by Roger Kellaway (Grammy winner and Oscar nominee), lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman (Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy winners), production by Raul Ferrando and Tony Shepard, imaging and editing by Joe Sohm, and post-production by Rick Vaughn. The single is available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.
Own a Limited Edition Copy of Visions of America
Available in limited quantity, Visions of America: Photographing Democracy is Joseph Sohm’s monumental photographic journey through all 50 states — a sweeping, 312-page hardcover book featuring more than 1,300 images and 21 essays exploring what democracy looks like in everyday American life.
Praised by Paul Theroux and honored with the Independent Publishers Gold Medal Award, this collector’s edition showcases over 30 years of work by one of the country’s foremost photo-historians. From Norman Rockwell towns to urban protests, from natural beauty to political history, Sohm’s lens captures the full spectrum of the American experiment.
Books are $75 each plus shipping. To request your copy, please fill out the form.
“Congratulations on publishing such a remarkable and truly beautiful collection of photography, powerfully capturing the vibrancy and richness of our country. I am so pleased to know it will be featured at the American Pavilion in Shanghai and send you my best wishes for a successful publication!”
– Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State
GOLD MEDAL “IPPY” AWARD
Best tabletop Book
SILVER MEDAL NAUTILUS AWARD
Best Art/Specialty/Gift Book
BRONZE TELLY AWARD
Best Video
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