Drummer's Dilemma

ClassificationsPhotographs-gelatin silver prints

DateFebruary 1962

Made AtCalifornia, United States, North America

MediumGelatin silver print on ektalure paper

Dimensions11 × 14 in. (27.9 × 35.6 cm)

Object number87.6.38

DescriptionThis photograph of American jazz drummer and bandleader Chico Hamilton was taken in studio by Leigh A. Wiener for a Columbia Records advertisement, February 1962.

Wiener recalls the day the photo was taken:
"Chico Hamilton will always have a special place in my professional memories. He asked me for a favor that no celebrity had ever asked of me before.

We were working in my studio. I had paused to load a camera. Suddenly Hamilton almost blurted out, 'Can I ask you a personal favor?' 'Sure,' I answered.

'Well,' said Hamilton, 'it's my son. He likes photography and I'm not sure how to help him. I thought if you might take his picture, he might start to talk with you about it and he might learn a little from you.'

'We'll do it Saturday,' I told the drummer. 'Saturday?' he repeated. 'Saturday,' I repeated.'"

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