Bob Parent

A photograph of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Roy Haynes at the Open Door, photographed by Bob Parent.

• Bob Parent (Canadian, 1923-1987).
• Photograph taken in 1953, and printed circa the 1970s.
• Photographer's studio stamp to verso, with reproduction rights stamp below and presumed inventory number penciled above. 
• Double-weight black-and-white gelatin silver photograph.
• This work is presented unframed.

A rare image — considered by many "the greatest photo in jazz history" (The New York Times) — of Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, Charles Mingus, and Roy Haynes performing at NYC's Open Door on September 13, 1953.

"One photo from the Open Door that night has since become a jazz icon. It shows Parker standing out front, wearing a light suit, two-toned loafers, his arms thrust forward, blowing what appears to be his famous King brass alto saxophone. To Parker's left is Monk on upright piano, microphone slung over the instrument. Two drinking glasses and a dinner plate perched on top. At Monk's right is Mingus, slouched over his bass. Along the back wall is Mr. Haynes, his eyes fixed on his bandmates [...] It has since been called by many 'the greatest photo in jazz.'"

Robert Parent (1923-1987) was one of the pioneers of jazz photography. He combined a keen eye and appreciation for his subjects with a technical know-how that allowed him to capture images that eluded lesser practitioners. Determined not to disrupt performances, he developed a technique that became known as "available light photography," which allowed him to work in the dark environments of clubs and theaters. Using his Pressman Speed Graphic camera, Parent was able to quietly snap pictures without disturbing the performers, a technique on display in this iconic image.

Parent had received a tip that Parker might be sitting in with Monk's trio, and his photos from that night (the only known of this event) capture the only time these four giants would play together. This photo would soon appear in LIFE, but over the decades has since gone on to legendary status, perfectly capturing the improvisational, intimate, and collaborative nature of jazz. It was most recently the subject of a 2019 New York Times article by Peter Facini entitled "Is This the Greatest Photo in Jazz History?"

During his life, Parent's images appeared regularly in Downbeat and Metronome as well as more mainstream books and publications. He also provided images for numerous album covers (designing many himself) for labels like Mingus's Debut. His photos are among the most influential of postwar jazz, capturing it at the height of its cultural and artistic importance. A rare and defining photograph.