Jazz,
The meaning of it,
Is as evasive as silence.
Name one who could
Accurately define this
Passional art that slices
And churns one's senses
Into so many delicate
barbarous
And uncountable patterns.
But alas for me
One definition would suffice.
Jazz (n). Edward Kennedy Ellington.
Also known as Duke, Big Red, Monster,
due, duk, ducem

By 1960, Duke Ellington was firmly established as a towering figure in jazz, with a career spanning over four decades. He was known for blending tradition with innovation to create groundbreaking compositions and orchestral arrangements. Ellington was not only a celebrated bandleader but also a cultural ambassador for jazz, bringing his music to global audiences and bridging artistic, social, and racial divides. In 1960, Ellington invited Gordon Parks to join him on tour across the United States, in recording sessions, and other everyday activities. The photographs Parks took, remarkable in their range, demonstrate his unique ability to capture in equal measure individuals’ intimate, unguarded moments as well as their most commanding, impactful presence. Although these were submitted to Life magazine, they were never published. Still, in many ways, they presage the assignments Parks carried out with Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali in the years that followed.

In the summer of 1960, Ellington found himself on the West Coast for a series of engagements, including recording sessions at Columbia Records' Los Angeles studio. Ellington’s recording sessions during this time featured a stellar cast of musicians from his orchestra: Among them were Paul Gonsalves, whose tenor saxophone was known for its thrilling solos; Aaron Bell, providing rich and steady bass lines; Jimmy Hamilton, a master of the clarinet and tenor saxophone; Johnny Hodges, celebrated for his smooth and soulful alto sax; Russell Procope, whose clarinet and alto sax added texture to the ensemble; and Britt Woodman, whose trombone added depth and warmth to the brass section. Collaborating closely with Irving Townsend, a trusted producer, as well as Billy Strayhorn, his longtime arranger and composer, Ellington produced arrangements that showcased the unique talents of his orchestra while pushing the boundaries of jazz as an art form. On stage, Ellington was more than a bandleader—he was the orchestra’s heartbeat, conducting with charisma and precision. His music brought to life the vibrant interplay of his bandmates, capturing the spirit of jazz in performances that were as sophisticated as they were electrifying.

Parks captured Ellington in the studio and on stage, creating images that reverberate with his energy—from quiet contemplation to his exhilarating connection with audiences. Also included among the photographs are everyday moments that further underscore the mutual admiration and trust between the two artists: Quiet breaks in hotel rooms after all-night work sessions; socializing at the Fairmont Hotel with Lena Horne, the legendary singer and actress, and jazz historian Patricia Williard, who documented Ellington’s career; and a visit to Sy DeVore, the renowned tailor on Vine Street in Hollywood, to ensure his style always matched his stage presence. As a whole, these images reflect the vitality of Ellington’s career in 1960, a year that reaffirmed his enduring influence on the world of music.