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Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer. Often regarded as a foremost exponent of cool jazz, Brubeck's work is characterized by unusual time signatures and superimposing contrasting rhythms, meters, tonalities, and combining different styles and genres, like classic, jazz, and blues.
Born in Concord, California, Brubeck was drafted into the US Army, but was spared from combat service when a Red Cross show he had played at became a hit. Within the US Army, Brubeck formed one of the first racially diverse bands. In 1951, Brubeck formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which kept its name despite shifting personnel. The most successful—and prolific—lineup of the quartet was the one between 1958 and 1968. This lineup, in addition to Brubeck, featured saxophonist Paul Desmond, bassist Eugene Wright and drummer Joe Morello. A U.S. Department of State-sponsored tour in 1958 featuring the band inspired several of Brubeck's subsequent albums, most notably the 1959 album Time Out. Despite its esoteric theme and contrarian time signatures, Time Out became Brubeck's highest-selling album, and the first jazz album to sell over one million copies. The lead single from the album, "Take Five", a tune written by Desmond intime, similarly became the highest-selling jazz single of all time.
Offered is an original 8” x 10” photo of Dave Brubeck wearing his signature glasses on piano with Norman Bates on the jazz bass. Bates replaces his brother, Bob Bates in the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1955 and played through 1957 to start his own trio. Notably, he played at the 1956 Newport Jazz Fest. This original print derived from Popsie’s personal archive and stamped on back with his iconic stamp that he used in the 1940s/50s. Again, this is an original print and was taken on March 4, 1957. ORIGINAL photos of Jazz musicians are rarely seen, as opposed to promotional photos put out by the record companies.
About photographer, William “Popsie” Randolph -
William "Popsie" Randolph was an iconic photographer, best known for capturing the spirit of the jazz and entertainment scenes during the mid-20th century. Born in 1920, he grew up in New York City. He started out at as a member of the Benny Goodman Orchestra and then moved into management. He later would build his career as one of the most prominent music photographers of his era.
Randolph’s work spans several decades, from the 1940s through the 1980s, and features many of the greatest musicians and entertainers of the time. His portfolio is a treasure trove of images that documented the world of jazz, Broadway, and popular music. He was a fixture at recording sessions, concerts, and nightclub performances, photographing luminaries such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.
What made Randolph’s work particularly distinctive was his ability to capture not just the public personas of these figures but the candid, behind-the-scenes moments that offered a glimpse into the lives of these legends. His images often convey a sense of intimacy and artistry, providing a window into the cultural movements of the time.
Randolph was highly sought after by both artists and record labels, often working with major players like Columbia Records and RCA. His work appeared in newspapers, magazines, and album covers, further cementing his reputation as a photographer who had unparalleled access to some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Despite his immense contributions to documenting American music history, Popsie Randolph remained somewhat behind the scenes himself, letting his photographs speak for him. He passed away in 1978, leaving behind a rich visual legacy that continues to inspire both musicians and photographers alike.
His photographs have been exhibited in various galleries and remain a valuable resource for understanding the cultural fabric of mid-20th-century America.
Item: 13633
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