Yesterday I received an email from Mike Goldstein, the Curator/Editor of AlbumCoverHallofFame.com:
I'm writing to you today to inform you that, after a thorough research, nominating and voting process done by our panel of esteemed music/art industry curators, gallerists, writers, journalists and music marketing executives, Richard has been inducted into the Album Cover Hall of Fame as part of our 10th Anniversary Class of 2021.
Goldstein added:
Our goal...is to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact in the ongoing development and advancement of rock and roll album cover-related design, illustration, art direction and photography. Based on Richard’s body of work in the field, we feel that his talents have exemplified the best possible efforts made to package and promote his clients' recorded music, and so we're privileged to have been able to include him in this year's poll and, ultimately, our site's lists of honorees.
Amsel, along with Lou Beach and Overton Lloyd, were the three illustrators selected this year. Amsel's contributions to Bette Midler – Divine Miss M and Songs For The New Depression, and soundtracks to the films Hello Dolly and The Sting were specifically cited as notable achievements.
You can read more about this year's inductees on their official site.
Some examples of Amsel's album illustrations, which can be viewed on the gallery site page:
