Louis Armstrong, Death Valley, CA, 1958
Another classic portrait from the Esquire ‘Golden Age of Jazz’ photo essay that also featured Harlem 1958 and launched Art Kane’s career into the stratosphere. Kane flew Louis Armstrong to Death Valley from Las Vegas where Armstrong was performing. Louis didn't want to fly without his wife Lucille, but the 4 seat Cessna would only accommodate Armstrong, Kane, the pilot and the rocking chair Kane had chosen as a prop, (in reference to Armstrong’s hit ‘Rockin’ Chair.) Somehow Kane convinced Armstrong to fly. Tired of portraits of Armstrong playing his trumpet, Kane asked him to put down his horn, to portray him as a man taking a well deserved rest from his life as a revolutionary jazz pioneer and globally beloved entertainer.
Original Photograph Printed Directly from the Original Negative.
Hand-Signed/Estate Stamped by the Photographer or Estate.
Limited Edition Available in Select Sizes.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
- Jazz
- Louis Armstrong
- Art Kane
