Billy Name, photographer and key archivist at Andy Warhol’s Factory has died age 76. His death was announced by his publisher who stated, “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of William Linich, “To the world he was Billy Name. To me he was just Billy, a kind soul, a beautiful artist and one of the best friends I will ever know in this life.”
Billy Name was known for many classic snaps of artists and superstars such as, Bob Dylan, Edie Sedgwick, Ultra Violet, Lou Reed, Nico, Jane Holzer, Viva, Candy Darling, Holly Woodlawn, Joe Dallesandro and Taylor Mead. In the 1960s he was at the epicenter of the Pop art scene in New York and shot and designed many of the covers for the in=house band The Velvet Underground.
Name grew up in Poughkeepsie moving to NYC he met Yoko Ono and John Cage at Fluxus events. Name and Warhol were introduced and became lovers. “We’d go to movies or art openings,” he told Glenn O’Brien in Interview. “I was sort of like Andy’s boyfriend.” He is credited with kitting out the factory with its silver interior.
At the time of his death, Name was residing in an assisted living home in upstate on the Hudson.
His death was confirmed by his agent and publisher Dagon James.
Photo: Creative Commons Billy Name by David Shankbone