"I had gone down to Key West in 1987 to interview the whole Phoenix family who was down there since two of its children were filming a movie now long forgotten. It was called Russkies and Joaquin, who was still a chubby little boy, was in it when his name was still Leaf, not Joaquin. His sister Summer had a small part in it too. And Carole King was even in it - but that’s a whole other story. 

The real star of the family was then River and the two of us bonded during those four days I was down there. I also loved his mother. River was so sweet back then. So talented. So smart. Right before this photo he had pulled off his t-shirt and given it to me. “I want to give you the shirt off my back,” he said, smiling. I had this fedora from Paul Stuart on and gave it to him as a gift in return. And then gave him my black t-shirt to put on. 

I am thrilled to have just found this photo. I even teared up - for many reasons - when it fell into my hands just now from where I had forgotten I had stuck it inside this old Interview magazine. Thank you, universe.And, thank you, River for being so briefly and movingly in my life.” -  Kevin Sessums