Charles Mingus jazz Photo Archive

Charles Mingus

Photograph

[African American] [Music] Legendary jazz musician Charles Mingus promotional photo archive. Archive includes 4 glossy black-and-white promotional photographs of renowned jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Charles Mingus, issued by Atlantic Records and CBS. Three measure 8" x 10", and one by CBS measures 5" x 7". These prints were used for press and publicity purposes, likely spanning the mid-1960s to early 1970s, a period during which Mingus recorded several influential albums with the label. Each photograph captures a different visual dimension of Mingus’s personality and musicianship. The images include two intimate performance shots highlighting Mingus in mid-action, deeply focused on his double bass, a portrait showing Mingus in a wide-brimmed hat, exuding a contemplative, almost defiant intensity that reflected his complex persona both on and off stage, and a dual-image layout featuring two contrasting headshots—one candid, the other posed—used for a press kit or promotional insert. The three larger prints are labeled with the Atlantic Records logo and "Charles Mingus" in bold text, some bearing editorial markings or layout guides, indicating their use in media publication or album promotion. These photographs not only promote Mingus’s image but also reflect his stature as a towering and uncompromising force in 20th-century American music. A pioneer of avant-garde jazz who also remained rooted in blues and gospel traditions, Mingus’s work fused composition and improvisation, challenging both musical conventions and societal norms. Original editor's markings, some minor wear to edges and corners. Overall very good condition.

Item #21771

Price: $325.00