Milton Hinton: Billie Holiday and Count Basie, television studio, Sound of Jazz rehearsal, New York City, 1957

Milton Hinton: Billie Holiday and Count Basie, television studio Sound of Jazz rehearsal, New York City 1957
Gelatin silver print
11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm) (frame)
16 1/2 x 20 1/2 in. (41.9 x 52 cm)
Gift of the Class of 1992

Jazz music was birthed by the Black community in New Orleans and is an ample slice of the Americana pie. Although Milton Hinton was known as the “Dean of Jazz bass players”, his photography which focuses on jazz artists, gave him another aspect of celebrity. His artist depictions showcased their public performance moments as well as their intimate lives off stage. With his belief that music should inspire future generations, he taught jazz courses at Hunter College and Baruch College (CUNY) in New York City.

This image, taken at the CBS television studio, is a true example of contrast. Hinton expertly captured the dichotomy of the essence of both artists. The black and white composition does not illustrate gloom or sadness, but rather it gives a separate energy to both artists. Known for her unique voice with subtle power, Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan) looks perplexed while Count Basie (birthname William) appears to be pleased. His persona was charismatic and infectious. In addition to conflicting personalities, it has been reported that their musical styles tended to be at odds as well. Lady Day’s songs mostly reflected the sorrows and tumultuous life of the battered woman, which closely related to her own experiences. While Basie’s signature sound was Swing; upbeat and danceable. Their partnership was short lived.

Hinton died in 2000. His collection, spanning six decades, has been archived at UCLA, but the Mishkin Gallery at Baruch College where he taught retains a significant collection of his works.This image, taken at the CBS television studio, is a true example of contrast. Hinton expertly captured the dichotomy of the essence of both artists. The black and white composition does not illustrate gloom or sadness, but rather it gives a separate energy to both artists. Known for her unique voice with subtle power, Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan) looks perplexed while Count Basie (birthname William) appears to be pleased. His persona was charismatic and infectious. In addition to conflicting personalities, it has been reported that their musical styles tended to be at odds as well. Lady Day’s songs mostly reflected the sorrows and tumultuous life of the battered woman, which closely related to her own experiences. While Basie’s signature sound was Swing; upbeat and danceable. Their partnership was short lived.Jazz music was birthed by the Black community in New Orleans and is an ample slice of the Americana pie. Although Milton Hinton was known as the “Dean of Jazz bass players”, his photography which focuses on jazz artists, gave him another aspect of celebrity. His artist depictions showcased their public performance moments as well as their intimate lives off stage. With his belief that music should inspire future generations, he taught jazz courses at Hunter College and Baruch College (CUNY) in New York City.