A Great Day in Harlem by Art Kane | New Print Release

|Peter Lowenkron

Bruce Teleky, Inc. | New Print Release | October 2026

A Great Day in Harlem Returns: Art Kane's Iconic Jazz Photograph

After years out of print, a legendary moment in jazz history returns.

Bruce Teleky, Inc. is proud to announce the new release of A Great Day in Harlem, the iconic 1958 photograph by legendary photographer Art Kane.

Created in collaboration with the Art Kane Archive, this remarkable image captures 57 jazz musicians gathered on a Harlem street in one of the most celebrated group photographs in American music history.

Now available as a 24 x 36-inch fine art print, this extraordinary photograph is ready to be enjoyed by a new generation of collectors, jazz lovers, and photography enthusiasts.


The Day Jazz History Stood Still

On August 12, 1958, photographer Art Kane assembled an extraordinary gathering of jazz musicians outside a brownstone at 17 East 126th Street in Harlem, New York City.

Originally photographed for Esquire magazine, the gathering brought together an incredible collection of musical talent, representing generations of jazz innovation.

Among the legendary musicians photographed were:

  • Count Basie
  • Dizzy Gillespie
  • Thelonious Monk
  • Sonny Rollins
  • Charles Mingus
  • Art Blakey
  • Coleman Hawkins
  • Lester Young
  • Mary Lou Williams
  • Gerry Mulligan

From swing and big-band jazz to bebop and modern improvisation, these musicians helped shape the sound of American music.

Kane captured more than a group portrait. He preserved a defining moment in cultural history.

Art Kane: The Vision Behind the Photograph

Art Kane (1925–1995) became one of America's most influential photographers, known for his imaginative portraits and his ability to capture the personality of musicians and artists.

His photograph A Great Day in Harlem remains one of his most celebrated achievements.

Unlike traditional promotional photography, Kane's composition feels remarkably natural. Musicians stand together, gather along the sidewalk, and sit on the curb outside a Harlem brownstone.

Each personality contributes to the larger story, creating an image that has inspired documentaries, books, exhibitions, and photographic tributes.

A Legendary Photograph, Newly Released

At Bruce Teleky, Inc., we believe great art should continue to be discovered, collected, and enjoyed.

 

African American poster art

After years out of print, we are proud to introduce this new release of A Great Day in Harlem, continuing our longstanding commitment to art publishing and distribution.

What We Originate, Others Imitate.

This release celebrates the photographic vision of Art Kane, the extraordinary musicians featured in the image, and the lasting influence of jazz on American culture.

A Timeless Addition to Any Art Collection

Whether displayed in a living room, office, music studio, gallery, restaurant, or hotel, A Great Day in Harlem brings an unmistakable sense of history to any space.

Its classic black-and-white composition works beautifully with simple black frames, traditional gallery framing, or contemporary wall displays.

For music lovers, it celebrates the musicians who transformed jazz. For photography collectors, it represents an important achievement in American portraiture.

Now Available: A Great Day in Harlem Fine Art Print

Print Details

Title: A Great Day in Harlem

Artist: Art Kane

Original Photograph: August 12, 1958

Print Size: 24 x 36 inches

Format: Black-and-white fine art print

Price: $35.00

Available From: Bruce Teleky, Inc.

Preserving the Legacy of Jazz Through Photography

Nearly seven decades after the original photograph was taken, A Great Day in Harlem continues to connect generations of musicians, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

The image reminds us of an extraordinary era in American music and the creative spirit of the artists who helped define it.

Bruce Teleky is proud to bring this historic photograph back into print and introduce it to new audiences.

A legendary photograph.
An unforgettable gathering.
A great day in American music history.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Great Day in Harlem?

A Great Day in Harlem is an iconic black-and-white photograph taken by Art Kane in 1958 featuring 57 jazz musicians assembled in Harlem, New York City.

When was A Great Day in Harlem photographed?

The photograph was taken on August 12, 1958, and published in the January 1959 issue of Esquire magazine.

Who appears in the photograph?

The image includes Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Charles Mingus, Mary Lou Williams, and many other jazz legends.

Where can I buy A Great Day in Harlem?

The newly released 24 x 36-inch print is available through Bruce Teleky, Inc.

Is the artwork available framed?

The current offering is an unframed fine art print that can be custom framed to match your personal style.


Published by Bruce Teleky, Inc. | Teleky.com