NPR: Photographer Reflects on Jazz Giants, Storm Losses

StevenV

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10057004

All Things Considered, May 7, 2007 · Photographer Herman Leonard, 84, captured jazz giants like Billie Holiday and Miles Davis on film as they worked in smoky, cramped, late-night clubs. But he almost lost his amazing collection to Hurricane Katrina. ...

JimW

Steven, I saw this story on tv recently, and it was both fascinating and sad. We all lost a significant part of our history when all his beautiful fiber prints were ruined. These images are such a tremendous record of jazz, an art form that Americans can truly call our own. Unfortunately, jazz music gets lost these days among the noise. What a waste. I'm only aware of one full time (earthbound) jazz radio station remaining in the U.S. The rest have switched over to all talk etc.

His photos are a treasure trove of moments that are gone forever. I often relate a photo to a jazz song, and vice versa. Especially when I see a b&w image, it will remind me of a certain song, or a certain musician.

There's a scholar named Gerald Early, who has said: "I think there are only three things that America will be known for 2,000 years from now when they study this civilization: the Constitution, jazz music and baseball. They're the three most beautifully designed things this culture has ever produced."

That sounds about right. Thanks for posting the link.

Jim
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claudermilk

Yikes. I keep hearing about more stuff lost in that hurricane. I know Jazz & it's history took a huge hit (heck, we almost lost BB King in it from what I understand :wow). At least he was able to save all the negatives.

Yeah, it sucks there's almost no Jazz on the radio any more. I am thankful that KJAZZ is local to me--I listen to it all day & am a subscriber, so am doing my part. I thought there was a sister station still in NY, is that one gone now? I remember the dueling fund drives a couple of years ago, those were fun. On a happier note, they do keep giving us stories of the success of local schools in spreading Jazz, there's apparently some VERY good school-based bands, so kids are discovering Jazz again.