Harlem 1958 by Art Kane
As much as we are about running, it really is the vehicle to share the story of our city. And today our run is going to take us up to East Harlem as we take a look back at one of the most iconic photos taken in music and New York City History.
Harlem 1958, now known as “A Great Day in Harlem” was the brainchild of the 33 year old Art Kane, who made a name for himself as a magazine art director, but had been studying photography at the New School in Manhattan. In fact this photo was his first professionally commissioned work that he did, which not only made history but launched a new career for him.
The story goes that he became aware that Esquire was planning a big issue on jazz. Art pitched the idea to shoot a big portrait with as many musicians that he could get and the powers that be were into it. He then had to decide on a location, and to him it made the most sense for it to be in Harlem. Kane was a fan of the music and knew that Harlem was where the jazz scene came into being, and he wanted a place that reflected everyday life rather than a club.
Kane chose 126th St. between Fifth and Madison Aves. This location was convenient to the subway and what was then the New York Central Railroad (now Metro North), which had a station at 125th and Park. It was also a neighborhood where a lot of the musicians lived or were staying as they performed in local clubs. He put out the call for musicians through agents, record labels, union halls, clubs — pretty much any channel he could think of.
And it worked! 58 musicians, young and old showed up for an exceptionally early (in jazz time) call of 10 am. These musicians were used to playing all night at the clubs and wouldn’t get home until 4 am, so it was a bit of a surprise that so many did turn up. In fact the joke amongst the musicians was that they did not know that there were two 10 o’clocks in the same day. The reason for the “early” call time was to take advantage of the best lighting. There were fewer things for the photographer to control, because they weren’t shooting in a studio.
Among the greats who made the gig that morning were Count Basie, Coleman Hawkins, DIzzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Maxine Sullivan, Charles Mingus, Horace Silver, Willie “the Lion” Smith, Benny Golsen, Gene Krupa, Mary Lou Williams, Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey, Oscar Pettiford, Jimmy Rushing, Roy Eldridge, Milt Hinton, Lester Young just to name a few. It was a crazy scene, made even more perfect by the row of neighborhood kids who sat in a row along the curb alongside a jovial Basie. There were musicians from several eras of jazz and the photo depicted what a robust scene it was for jazz musicians in New York City.
In 1994, a documentary directed by Jean Bach, “A Great Day in Harlem” tells the story behind Harlem 1958. It shows the musicians milling about, greeting each other, telling stories, laughing — doing just about everything but paying attention to the photographer across the street, who implored them to come into formation through a megaphone improvised from a rolled-up newspaper. It was Oscar nominated and worth watching as you get to hear the story from those who were there.
Marion McPartland (left) and Thelonious Monk (right w/ glasses)
Lucky Roberts (left), Willie “The Lion” Smith (left)
On this day in August of 1958, a group of contemporaries came together in a city that defined the art they were creating. They got a chance to put down their instruments, be themselves and share in the impact they had on society. Only two of the 58 are still alive, Sonny Rollins and Benny Golsen, and even though it has been over 60 years they are still very appreciative of being included in this great moment in Black History. Being a part of the photo only tells a part of the story of each of these musicians. That along with their music will live on forever, and continues to inspire us every day.
Thanks for running with us! We look forward to next time!!
