Jazz Photography

RIP Herman Leonard

by Brian Smith on August 15, 2010

in Music Photography

I just got sad news that Herman Leonard, the Greatest Jazz Photographer who ever lived, has passed away. Even if you don’t know the name, you know the photographs. Herman captured iconic photographs of the Legends of Jazz better than anyone. I know all his friends up above are playing a great jam session for him tonight. Check out tonight’s ABC World News Tonight for a tribute to a legend I can proudly call my friend…

Herman Leonard's exhibit of jazz photography at "Jazz at Lincoln Center"

Herman Leonard "Jazz at Lincoln Center" October 2009

Brian Smith and Herman Leonard at Leonard's exhibit of jazz photography at "Jazz at Lincoln Center"

Me and Herman at the opening of "Jazz at Lincoln Center" October 2009

Herman Leonard
March 6, 1923 – August 14, 2010

Tagged as: Herman Leonard, Jazz Photography, Photographers

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‘Legends of Jazz Photography’ at Fahey/Klein Gallery in LA

by Brian Smith on March 29, 2010

in Music Photography

Catch Legendary Jazz Photographer Herman Leonard this Thursday, April 1 from 7 – 9pm at the Opening reception for “Legends of Jazz Photography” at Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles. The show features the work of Herman Leonard, William Claxton and William Gottlieb. All are welcome to attend. It’s a great chance not only to see great jazz photographs but to also meet a true Jazz Legend…The exhibit runs from April 1 – May 15, 2010.

Tagged as: Fahey/Klein, Fahey/Klein Gallery, Herman Leonard, Jazz Photography, Legends of Jazz Photography, Los Angeles, William Claxton, William Gottlieb

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Herman Leonard Exhibit at Jazz at Lincoln Center

by Brian Smith on October 20, 2009

in Exhibits

Got the chance to catch the Private Gallery Opening tonight for legendary jazz photographer Herman Leonard’s Exhibit at Jazz at Lincoln Center. I’ve been looking forward to this show ever since I ran into Herman at Irving Penn’s “The Small Trades” exhibit at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Brian Smith and Herman Leonard "Jazz at Lincoln Center"
Herman Leonard "Jazz at Lincoln Center"

Two of my favorite images from the show were Leonard’s photographs of Miles Davis an Frank Sinatra that were among the prints that were damaged when Leonard’s New Orleans home was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina – proving that out of tragedy sometimes comes beauty.

Herman Leonard "Jazz at Lincoln Center"

Fortunately for history, none of Leonard’s negatives were lost in the flood as they were safely stored in a different location. Don’t miss this show by a true Legend. Leonard’s work is the finest photography of the Jazz age.

Herman Leonard’s Jazz at Lincoln Center is up through February 14, 2010.
Jazz at Lincoln Center • 33 West 60 Street • New York, NY 10023

Tagged as: Dexter Gordon, Frank Sinatra, Herman Leonard, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Photography, Lincoln Center, Miles Davis

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