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January 1, 1959: "Great Day in Harlem" photo published in Esquire magazine.

Added: 2008-02-28 Since its creation in 1958 A Great Day in Harlem has become an icon of jazz photography. It is also recognized, in the broader context of American photography, as a major work. Through appearances on posters, postcards, in books and magazines it is celebrated worldwide. Originally commissioned by Esquire magazine, the underlying concept was simple: to create a group portrait of living legendary jazz musicians on a Harlem street. However the photograph's compositional brilliance, its historic importance, no less the complex logistics required to organize the shoot, elevated Art Kane's achievement to a true tour de force.

This was Art Kane's first assignment as a professional photographer.

SOURCE: ArtKane.com

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More facts on this day:

• 1919
  Bassist Al McKibbon born in Chicago, IL.

• 1923
  Vibraphonist Milt Jackson born in Detroit, Michigan.

• 1939
  Pianist Albert Ammons records "Shout for Joy."

• 1959
  "Great Day in Harlem" photo published in Esquire magazine.

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