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The New York-based photographer made a name for himself within the late 90s and early 00’s with his timeless pieces featuring the era’s brightest stars. Johnson’s photos of Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Biggie Smalls, Nas and Aaliyah sired the photographer a reputation for brilliance and placed him at the forefront of the music industry. Much like the musicians he snapped, Johnson’s talent has transcended through the decades. The icon award first winner’s recent work includes modern-day artists including Shygirl and Doja Cat.

Johnson has spoken about the win, “It’s super surreal being the first recipient of the Abbey Road Studios Music Photography ICON Award. I’m super low-key by nature and through all of these years it never dawned on me that after taking all of these pics that ultimately it would all come back to me. That people would be curious about me. I kinda knew that my photos would stand the test of time but being considered an ICON wasn’t anything I really thought about. Wow!!! I’m into it.”

The legendary shutterbug continued to discuss his work, “Having such a diverse group of talented artists recognise my work is really what it’s all about. This is a curious industry we’re in. It’s been like a rollercoaster ride and this acknowledgement is such a high. It makes me feel like ‘Wow, I’ve really been right and onto something from the beginning and people are really recognising this. It’s AWESOME and inspires me to keep pushing even more. I wanna keep creating imagery that the culture really feels.”

Johnson concludes with advice for aspiring photographers, “I hope this all inspires emerging talents to try and stay as true to yourself as possible. There’s potentially something great just around the corner. Don’t sweat the industry like that. Keep working on your craft.”

Isabel Garvey, Abbey Road’s Managing Director has also given a statement concerning the award, “The judging panel wanted the recipient of our first MPAs ‘Icon Award’ to be a photographer whose impact and contribution to the art of music photography has been pronounced and unparalleled and we have no doubt that Eric meets these criteria. We’re delighted that Eric has accepted the award as his work throughout his career to date has been some of the most vital and memorable in music photography.”

The historic studios are holding the new awards as part of their birthday celebration, the ceremony will join the various events planned to observe the studio’s 90th anniversary. A statement provides further information, “The MPAS honour the images that capture the magic of live music, the creative process, and the exciting music scenes and movements taking place across the world. The awards will recognise photographers at all levels – whether established, emerging or undiscovered – via open-entry categories, as well as categories chosen by an esteemed judging panel made up of artists, photographers and influential names across the global music and photography industries.“

However, the musician seems keen on using some of his universal appeal for more charitable ends, working with charity GeeWiz on a raffle which has raised £52,765 for Sir Robert Hitcham’s School in Framlingham (Sheeran’s hometown) in Suffolk. The money will help finance a music pod and extra facilities for students with learning difficulties, with any leftover funds helping other children around the Suffolk area.

The first prize was a prototype guitar made by Sheeran and George Lowden (a guitar-maker centred in Northern Ireland) that was designed for the = album. The instrument has been made from naturally fallen walnut and spruce trees and was won by Kellie Myers, a mum-of-two hospital worker from Ipswich, whose sons Henry and Jacob have reportedly been learning guitar for the last couple of years already.

Myers said that “The guitar is beautiful“ and that “As a family we adore Ed. He really supports our community and local charities.“ Sheeran was also kind enough to adorn the guitar with his own special message, writing “Henry + Jacob! Play this guitar!“. He also wrote a quote from one of his own songs, taking from Myers’ favourite line in the track “Photograph“: “Wait for me to come home…“.

Sheeran had these words to say in a video message tailored for the event: “This is the prototype of the new Equals guitar by Sheeran Guitars by Lowden. It is one of one; there is not another guitar like this. This is the guitar that gets sent to me to check that all the other guitars are all right – it says ‘prototype’ in it. It’s going to build a music centre at a primary school near me, which I’m really excited about.”

However, it wasn’t bad news for everyone who didn’t bag first prize. Runner-up prizes for the raffle were available in the form of three Ipswich Town Football Club shirts signed by Sheeran, which were won by Rossignol Sylvianne (from France), Chris Noakes (Essex) and Justin Taite (Canada). All in all, the raffle tickets cost £5 and the charity sold 10,553 in over 160 countries throughout the world.

GeeWizz founder Gina Long had this to say: “What a wonderful life-changing fundraiser to finish the year with; it’s the very best Christmas present GeeWizz is able to give, thanks to the generosity and kindness of Ed Sheeran, who is charity champion on every level.”