This week will end our look back through some ALA Graphics catalogs from decades past. But before we return to our regularly schedule READ CD programming, let us pause to remember some great celebrities from the 1990s:

Celebrity READ Posters

In the top row we have super-model Cindy Crawford, followed by super-Spaniard Antonio Banderas. In the bottom we have Muhammad Ali who is, to my knowledge, the 2nd celebrity to pose with a stuffed animal. (See Bette Midler in this post.) And finally a young Michael Keaton.

An unlikely quartet?

Then we have this foursome. In the top row we have film director Spike Lee next to newswoman Barbara Walters, and then the rock band R.E.M next to the King, Elvis Presley. Perhaps that should be ALA Graphics new motto: Bringing celebrities together since 1980!

Well I hope you’ve enjoyed these three posts showcasing some of the notable vintage Celebrity READ Posters. Next post will be back with more about the READ DVD. Yes, DVD! As we speak the READ DVD Genres & Subjects is in production. With so many fabulous art files representing over 23 genres and subjects, we expanded to a DVD so it all fits conveniently on one disc! I can’t wait to share more and get your feedback!

Graphics Cover

Give up? Couldn’t figure it out? Well the answer, dear readers, is 1989. A mere two years before Michael Jackson released the hit single “Black or White”, which this catalog clearly anticipated. Sometimes it’s hard being so ahead of the curve. But I digress.

Let us open this catalog to reveal the stars that were appearing on READ posters two decades prior. 

Celebrity READ Lineup

If you get out your magnifying glass you will spy the likes of a young Michael J. Fox, 1 of 2 Oprah Celebrity READ posters, a pre-Sex in the City Mikhail Baryshnikov, a lovely Phylicia Rashad, and a post-Ziggy Stardust David Bowie (row 1). In the next row we see Phil Collins donning a coon-skin hat, a mustachioed Ruben Blades, a charming Goldie Hawn, Mister George Burns, and the other parental star from the Cosby Show (row 2). Finally, we have Sting in full cape and Bette Midler in full pajamas along with Diahann Carroll and a classic Paul Newman. What a lineup, huh?! 

Next week I’ll finish up this blast from the past with a few celebs from the early 90s. (Surprisingly, I don’t believe anyone is wearing plaid.) Until then, check out our current offerings of Celebrity READ Posters, and leave your suggestions for any you feel missing in the comments section!