The 1958 Esquire Magazine photo that started it all:

And with the rise of Hip Hop, XXL Magazine (in 1998) did this riff with Gordon Parks as the photographer:

Unfortunately, an ill-timed shadow marred the photo.

However, fewer people know that Gordon Parks’ also paid homage to the Art Kane 1958 original in 1995.

Parks wanted to reflect on the passing of a jazz generation and managed to get 10 of the 12 remaining musicians from the Art Kane photo to return to East Harlem. Once there, Parks photographed them standing where they had stood in 1958. The boarded-up facade of the now dilapidated brownstone in the image emphasized the absent musicians who had died.

Aria Madness

Music and Mentoring House is presenting a series of Saturday performances:

Lauren Flanigan, Director/Founder

www.musicandmentoringhouse.org

Music and Mentoring House, Inc is a fiscally sponsored project of Black Women Playwrights’ Group. All donation amounts are greatly appreciated and a very important contribution to continuing our efforts to serve artists of all disciplines.  Black Women Playwrights’ Group is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.