As a freelancer for The Associated Press, I proposed an idea as a speculative assignment to photograph a feature story on the Newport Jazz Festival which had moved to its New York venue in 1972 from Newport, R.I. I envisioned it as “The Face of Jazz” fusing the instrument with the performing artist om classic B/W film.
George Wein with Elaine Lorillard established the festival in 1954 in Newport, R.I., and brought it to New York where it continues annually . Listening to live jazz at New York’s Village Vanguard, the Village Gate, the Blue Note and Ryans on W. 52nd St., growing up, inspired me to photograph this layout. “The Face of Jazz” was my first feature picture story I sold to AP Sunday NewsFeatures. It is a special gallery within my photo archive as the jazz festival continues featuring jazz artists in both sites, Newport and New York.
FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH — In this jazz series, it is an ecstatic Ella Fitzgerald scat singing, defying her modest, humble persona. As one of the greatest voices in recording history, I felt honored to capture her live in my hometown of New York and share that decisive moment on film forever. It also reinforced my constant search for original ideas which translate into great photographs.
