1923-2010

Born to Romanian immigrants, Leonard became interested in photography at the age of nine. Graduating from Ohio University (“The only university at the time that could offer me a degree in photography”), Leonard apprenticed in Toronto for Yousuf Karsh, assisting him in the darkroom and with portrait commissions. In 1948, his passion for jazz brought Leonard to New York. He made his way into the jazz clubs, offering to shoot publicity stills for admission, and developing friendships with Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and many more. Leonard’s work began appearing in Downbeat and Metronome magazines, and on the covers of Verve record-albums while working for jazz producer Norman Granz.

Beginning in 1956, Paris became his home for twenty-five years – beginning a successful career working in advertising, for fashion houses Yves St. Laurent and Dior, as well as many magazines including Life and Playboy. In 1980 Leonard rediscovered his jazz negatives, stored in a box under his bed, and in 1985 published his first book, The Eye of Jazz, (Hachette/Filipachi). In 1988, he moved to London and had the first exhibition of his jazz work. After rave reviews by the London Times and the BBC, he became an overnight sensation, with ten thousand people coming to view his images. The following year he premiered his first US show, which toured nationally.

Herman Leonard’s photographs are a unique record of the jazz scene between the ’40s and ’60s. These iconic photographs will long be remembered not only for their enduring historic significance, but also for their breathtaking artistic beauty. They are part of the permanent archives of the Smithsonian Museum.