Miles and Miles
ClassificationsPhotographs-gelatin silver prints
DateApril 1961
Place DepictedSan Francisco, California, United States, North America
MediumGelatin silver print on ektalure paper
Dimensions20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Leigh A. Wiener. ©Leigh Wiener / 7410 Inc. All rights reserved
Object number87.6.11
DescriptionThis photograph of legendary trumpeter, bandleader, and composer Miles Davis was taken by photographer Leigh A. Wiener in 1961 during a performance of the Miles Davis Quintet at The Black Hawk nightclub in San Francisco.Wiener recalls the night the photo was taken:
"'No lights, mister. No lights! Hear that? I don't like light in my eyes when I work." Without waiting for a response, Miles Davis turned, walked between some curtains, and disappeared somewhere backstage leaving me standing alone in the almost deserted Black Hawk nightclub. It was three hours before showtime.
Now the house was packed and some were still clapping as Davis finished his first set, left the stage, and headed for the bar. His eyes caught mine and he nodded with his head for me to join him.
'You take pictures of me?' 'Yes,' I answered. 'Without lights?' 'Did you see any?' I asked back. Davis took a sip of his drink. Without looking at me he said softly, 'Will they turn out?' 'When you blow that thing,' I answered, 'does noise come out?' Davis turned and looked right at me. He almost smiled. 'What are ya drinking?' he asked."
On View
Not on viewApril 1961
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