In the scorching desert of Death Valley in 1958, Art Kane, then a relatively unknown photographer, found himself tasked with capturing Louis Armstrong in a way the world had never seen. At that moment, Armstrong wasnโt just a jazz legendโhe was one of the most recognizable figures in global pop culture, thanks to hits like…
In an era marked by stark racial divides and rigid gender roles, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm emerged as an audacious symphony of defiance and unity. Formed in the late 1930s, this all-women Swing orchestra not only challenged the prevailing societal norms but also painted a canvas of cultural diversity that was rare for its…
Jazz maestro Louis Armstrongโs music resonated across borders, with his tunes reaching even the ancient sands of Egypt. There, beneath the gaze of the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, a timeless photograph was taken, capturing Armstrong serenading his wife, Lucille. In 2016, The New York Times Store shared this iconic 1961 image marking Armstrongโs…