The Lone Survivor of the Greatest Photo in American Music History Passes Away at 95

Music
#1

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the legendary 1958 photograph capturing 57 jazz musicians in Harlem, New York, symbolizing the golden age of jazz.

Sonny Rollins, one of the most important tenor sax players in jazz history was the last surviving adult musician prior to his death in May 25th, 2026.

Just one day before the 100th birthday of Miles Davis.

Ted Gioia writes:

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Warning for those not initiated into the jazz tradition.

This is what Rick Beato calls high information music. So people not of a musical nature have a hard time finding logic in bebop and modern jazz. Lots of chords, lots of fast moving lines that are improvised on the spot.

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#2

I have been a jazz fan and a musician of the genre (among others) on drums for 30 years and I never knew about that photo! Thanks for sharing it.
A damn shame Bird wasn’t alive for it.

I just drummed a jazz concert with old adult students a week or so ago. You can see at my YouTube, let me know if you want a link. Its passable. They are students and largely intermediate or beginners and its for sight reading.
I picked Moanin’ and Milestones cuz I’m a stinker :wink:

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#3

Ahhh, that explains your interest in the rhythm of history. I’m a musician too. Doubled major in jazz performance and math/economics.

Used to see Art Blakely play all the time back in the old America. Never saw Miles. Was never into his work past Bitches Brew.

Go ahead post your youtube link. I’ll watch it.

Who were your influences? Buddy Rich? Tony Williams? Jack Dejohnette?

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#4

Your education interests sounds like study of the harmonics of reality. :wink:

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#5

everything is vibration, man.

#6

For drums, Jazz wise I love Elvin Jones, and Art Blakey the most , maybe. I also really like Sonny Payne’s work.

Here is a link, there are some cringe moments but some good ones too. They are all students in old age, so it is Life. Except the trumpet is my old High School band director! what a trip. he had heart surgery so my friend says he can’t play like he used to. it’s sad but at least he is going at it still, even if he gets annoyed at his body. i know the feeling.

:slight_smile:

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#7

I think the best musical experience I’ve had was in a small jazz club in Minneapolis in the late 1970’s where various jazz musicians from all over the country played. Their sound filled the room and I could see the musicians fingers playing their instruments. It was awesome how the music blended into your being and carried you right along with the sounds.

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#8

That’s great man!!!

Adults doing adult things!! That’s a Cannonball tune. At least he recorded it. Might have been written by Joe Zawinal?

It’s great that you have a band to perform with! Sounds good to me.

Favorite Art Blakely band was with Freddie Hubbard. Freddie was my alpha and omega

Back in the 60’s, all the blue note artists were doing that boogaloo thing. Lee Morgan Sidewinder and Rumproller, Herbie Hancock Watermelon Man, and Cantaloupe Island, and a bunch of others. It sold albums.

Thanks for sharing!!!

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#9

Thanks for your kind words and time. Yeah its fun and a nice opportunity. Im subbing for a school friend so i like not having the responsibility every single week :smiley:

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