A Great Day in Harlem
By Leslie Nash
Early on the morning in August 1958, on the stoop of 17 East 126th St., jazz greats gathered. Most of the musicians were on their way home after playing all night in the best jazz clubs in NYC. A young photographer, Art Kane, captured what would become known as “A Great Day in Harlem.” Along the curb, several young boys are seated, their names unknown with the exception of Taft Jordan Jr. Wrangling those energetic youths to sit quietly must have been difficult, but not more difficult than gathering so many jazz greats in one place for this iconic photograph.
We wonder what the future had in store for those children sitting there. Did they know how important the moment was? Do any of our readers know the name of any of the children pictured, and what became of them?
We would like to hear from you if you have information for our search.
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“Black and white: two colors forbidden to be in close proximity yet captured so beautifully within a single black and white frame. The importance of this photo transcends time and location, leaving it to become not only a symbolic piece of art but a piece of history. During a time in which segregation was very much still a part of our everyday lives, and in a world that often pointed out our differences instead of celebrating our similarities, there was something so special and pure about gathering 57 individuals together, in the name of jazz.“
Quincy Jones, documentary narrator, A Great Day in Harlem
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