Twenty years ago, Robert Knight was the only photographer to show up and shoot the second Eric Clapton show at Alpine Valley, an amphitheater in East Troy, WI midway between Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee. He caught the whole show including opener Stevie Ray Vaughn and the legendary jam that concluded the show with Robert Cray, Clapton, and Vaughn's brother Jimmy. Mere hours later, Stevie Ray Vaughn was dead from a helicopter crash. Knight captured the final moments of Vaughn's career and yet instead of selling the prints, he sat on them for several years. This seems like a foolish thing to do considering how much money he could have made at the time. But Knight, unlike so many paparazzi photographers today, has class. During the last day of Vaughn's life, the two men pondered life's mysteries and the last words he ever uttered to Knight were, "if anything ever happens, you'll know me when you hear me."Spurred on by the ghost of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Knight finds himself on a mission. It was almost as if Vaughn put Knight on a path. It's this conversation that impelled Knight to always on the lookout for the next big thing. This isn't so he can claim to be the first person to photograph the band but because he believes in the art form and shepherding the talent when it appears in front of him. This is all showcased skillfully in the new documentary Rock Prophecies coming to DVD in September and airing on various PBS stations. The film focuses on several aspect of Knight's life. It follows his journey through his strict childhood, his rebellious teen years and eventually an adult where his hobby of shooting bands became his life. Some of it boiled down to strokes of immeasurable luck, but Knight's collected works of rock photography is among the most envious in the world. He was able to capture Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix at the onset of their careers. He took some of the most iconic pictures of Hendrix and was the first American photographer to capture Led Zeppelin.

Anyone can build an impressive portfolio but this film would have nothing to stand on if they didn't take us into Knight's life. We find a man searching for the next big thing while also trying to provide for his elderly mother. She is a victim of Alzheimer's and requires detailed care which means Knight may have to sell off his collection to take care of her. However, he and his wife still need to make money for themselves and their future. This is the crux of the story. He may have shot the rock Gods but by no means is one. He faces every day challenges just like the average viewer. Despite his impending financial uncertainty, he always lends a helping hand when needed. There are two acts that Knight takes under his wing to assist in making things happen for them. One is the Australian band Sick Puppies and the other is a 16-year old guitar prodigy Tyler Dow Bryant. You don't see Knight handing over contracts to them to take a piece of the pie, but a man who is merely wants to help. Rock Prophecies is a refreshing look at someone who uses his connections to benefit others and to expose the world to their talents. The film follows both acts as they go from being unknowns to…well, you are going to have to watch the film and find out. As the film comes to its climax, Knight makes a bold decision in whether he has to sell his 40-year portfolio or not; I wouldn't dare spoil it for you. Rock Prophecies blends Robert M. Knight's career, his life and his search rather seamlessly. Almost anyone will admire it, but for guitar aficionados it's essential viewing. There are some great scenes with Slash, Jeff Beck and an extended section about Jimi Hendrix and how this guitarist plays a pivotal part in Knight's life.

The DVD includes a rare Jeff Beck private performance, additional interviews with Slash, Carlos Santana and Steve Vai; one of the final interviews with Jim Marshall, another rock photographer famous for his shot of Johnny Cash flipping the bird; Sick Puppies' "Free Hugs" video; and Tyler Dow Bryant performing "My Radio" and last but not least, a commentary track with Robert Knight and director John Chester (*Note*-these bonus features were not available for review). Far too many documentaries are usually about "complicated" subjects or people whose talent goes hand-in-hand with ego. Knight has no ego and if anything, puts himself out in trying to assist these unheard talents. Rock Prophecies is a refreshing and redeeming look into the life of one man who took his luck and helped others. It will be released on DVD on September 14th and will air on various PBS stations all throughout the fall, check your local listings.

Anthony Kuzminski is a Chicago based writer and Special Features Editor for the antiMusic Network. His daily writings can be read at The Screen Door. He can be contacted at thescreendoor AT gmail DOT com and can be followed on Twitter