Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, NYC, 1948

GERRY BAUM'S STAFF PICKS: Ella Fitzgerald at the Downbeat Club in NYC, 1948. I had the opportunity of a lifetime to work for photographer Herman Leonard in Los Angeles in the last years of his life. He was a spectacular person and I got to know him and his work very well. It’s extremely difficult to choose my favorite photo of his - but I decided to go with this one as it always felt so joyful and as if I could step into that dark, smokey club in New York in 1948. These greats of jazz in one image, you can almost hear Ella, and the look of joy on Duke Ellington’s face as he sits next to Benny Goodman…there is absolute admiration on all their faces. This is truly an iconic moment in the history of jazz. We have one of the last remaining signed 20x24 Limited Edition prints of this photograph. KIVA KAMERLING'S STAFF PICKS:The expressions on the faces of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman as they watch Ella sing are captured perfectly. The painting in the background, along with the lighting and the smoky air, sets the perfect scene.