The Hub of Jazz: NYC in the 1940s

 

For a long time, New York City has been the mecca of culture. For some, it is a hotbed of creativity and art of all mediums. But for a while, it was the center of a type of music that would go on to influence and continue to influence musicians and poets alike. Jazz in New York City brought a lot of buzz to the city in the 1940s. 

Some well-known artists from this period were Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, and many more. At the center of this prominent period for music was photographer William P. Gottlieb. Before Glen E. Friedman was snapping shots of influential punk, hip-hop, and skateboarders in the 1980s. Gottlieb was capturing photos of artists who would go on to influence many artists for years to come. You can find Gottlieb's awe-inspiring work on the Library of Congress website. Some of those photos are listed here: 

1.  Josh White and Mary Lou Willams 

Josh White (left) and Mary Lou Williams (right) at WMCA in New York City in October 1947. (Photo by William P. Gottlieb) 

Josh White was a singer, guitarist, and civil rights activist. During the 1940s he was not one of the most notable jazz artists to come out of the movement, but his career was not without its interesting moments. He has worked on Broadway and was linked to many interesting figures including the Roosevelts. He passed away at the age of 55. Another not-so-familiar name during this time was Mary Lou Williams. She was a jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. She has written and arranged for the likes of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. She was also a close friend and mentor to Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. She has also been a pianist for various other artists as well. She passed away at the age of 71. 

2. Denzil Best 

Denzil Best (left) with Billy Bauer (center right) and Chubby Jackson (far right) at the Pied Piper in New York City in September 1947. (Photo by William P. Gottlieb)

 

Denzil Best was a jazz percussionist and composer, who also was a well-known bebop drummer during the 50s and 60s. He was trained on other instruments such as the trumpet, piano, and bass but he really focused on the drums in 1943. Tragedy would strike when he was in a car accident in 1953 which forced him into a temporary retirement but would later return to music in 1954. He passed away at the age of 48. 

3. Machito and Graciella Grillo 

Graciella Grillo (left) and Machito Grillo (right) at the Glen Island Casino in New York City in July 1947. (Photo by William P. Gottlieb)

Often referred to by their stage names Machito and Graciela, this brother and sister duo helped cultivate Afro-Cuban jazz and created Cubop and were credited with many other artists as creators of salsa music. Machito went on to form a Latin jazz band known as the Afro-Cubans with his sister and brother-in-law Mario Bauzá. Graciella was also the lead vocalist for 10 years with the Orquesta Anacaona. Graciela passed away in 2010 at the age of 97 and her brother passed away at the age of 74 in 1984.  

4. Café Society 

                    

Gene Sedric (front left), Cliff Jackson (back left), Olivette Miller (back right), and Josh White (front right) at Café Society in New York City in March 1947. (Photo by William P. Gottlieb)

Every city has legendary music venues. Chicago has the Aragon Ballroom, Los Angeles has the Rainbow Bar and Grill, and New York had CBGB, but before CBGB there was Café Society. Managed by Barney Josephson, this nightclub was located in Greenwich Village and was open from 1938 to 1948. Josephson opened the club intending to showcase many African American performers and wanted to replicate political cabarets he had seen in Europe. He also wanted to be the first racially integrated nightclub in the U.S. 

5. Louis Armstrong 

Louis Armstrong at the Aquarium in New York City in July 1946. (Photo by William P. Gottlieb) 

 

One of the most recognizable contributors to jazz music Louis Armstrong, with nicknames like Satchmo, Satch, Pops, and Louie. With his captivating trumpet playing and discernible voice, he was at the forefront of the 1940s jazz scene in New York. His most notable work were songs like "What A Wonderful World", "La Vie en Rose", and "Dream a Little Dream of Me". He was also known for his collaboration with Ella Fitzgerald and has appeared in films as well. He passed away at the age of 69 in 1971.