Art Blakey, Nothing But the Soul, (A drum improvisation), 1954.
Herman Leonard, Art Blakey, Paris, 1958 (2008.3.13)
(c) Herman Leonard Photography, LLC
Art Blakey (1919-1990), one of the greatest and most influential drummers and bandleaders, was born in Pittsburgh on October 11, 1919. Blakey performed with many brilliant musicians including Mary Lou Williams, Fletcher Henderson, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk (who called Blakey his best friend), and co-founded with Horace Silver the Jazz Messengers.
Art Blakey and Sabu, Message from Kenya, 1954.
Fans in a Flashbulb 