Listening with My Lens: Chicago’s ’50s to ’80s Jazz Scene

This stunning collection celebrates the career of Chicago photographer Jeff Lowenthal, whose work for Newsweekmagazine granted him rare access to many of the defining cultural figures of the 20th century.

Spanning the late 1950s through the 1980s, the book focuses on Lowenthal’s extraordinary photographs of jazz legends and the vibrant Chicago jazz scene. His images capture the elegance of Duke Ellington, the brilliance of Billy Strayhorn, and the cool lyricism of Paul Desmond, alongside many other celebrated performers.

Beyond jazz, Lowenthal photographed leading figures in classical and popular music, including Leonard Bernstein and Sting of the Police, as well as groundbreaking comedians Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl.

Featuring more than 200 black-and-white and color photographs, many reproduced full page, the collection evokes backstage moments, recording sessions, smoky clubs, and concert stages.

More than a portrait gallery, it is a vivid visual chronicle of artistic genius and a transformative cultural era while preserving the energy and intimacy of live performance.