May 20, 1998
Contact: Carmen Ramos Chandler or
Steve Gelhaus,
(818) 677-2130
cchandler@exec.csun.edu
The "Legends of Jazz" exhibition will be opened to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center Gallery, 10950 South Central Avenue in Los Angeles. An opening reception will be held Sunday May 31, from 3 to 6 p.m., with music provided by Gerald Wiggins.
Douglas first started taking pictures as a hobby at jazz clubs in Detroit during the 1940s. His love for music and camera skills allowed him to take memorable images of Billie Holliday, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn and Milt Jackson. His work was featured on jazz album covers.
"Back in those days we had easier access to photographing," Douglas said. "You'd go up and say, 'is it okay if I shoot?' and they'd say okay, as long as you don't get in the way of the performers."
He worked as a photojournalist for such publications as the Pittsburgh Courier, Michigan Chronicle, Los Angeles Sentinel, Ebony, Jet and Sepia magazines.
But throughout is all, Douglas continued his passion for jazz, and began displaying his jazz pictures in 1987 at Roland Charles' Black Gallery. Reviewers have said his images capture the essence and emotional conscience of the complex genre.
For more information, contact Kent Kirkton at Cal State Northridge at (818) 677-3135.
California State University Chancellor's Office Press Releases
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