Harlem 1958
You're looking at the single most significant jazz portrait taken in the 20th century. No one believed anyone could gather this many talents and temperments so very early on a summer morning but it all happened like magic, and the world was immediately smitten when this picture was published in Esquire magazine January 1959. This was Art Kane's first assignment as a professional photographer.
The obsession continues unabated with homages ranging from photographer Gordon Parks' regrouping of the last surviving original musicians for Life magazine to his re-creation once again on the same 126th St. steps of today's hip hop stars for XXL magazine.
No other picture has become so deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of music lovers worldwide.

All photos © 2000 Art Kane Archives