MILES DAVIS & JOHN COLTRANE Birdland October1955 Silver Gelatin Original TYPE II Photo by Popsie PSA/DNA

The October 1955 Birdland recordings capture one of the earliest documented performances of the newly formed Miles Davis Quintet featuring John Coltrane. Although they had only been working together for a few weeks, the performances already reveal the chemistry that would make the group one of the most influential small jazz ensembles in history.

These performances came immediately after Davis had signed with Columbia Records following his acclaimed appearance at the 1955 Newport Jazz Festival. The Birdland engagement served as a proving ground for the new band before it entered the studio for its first Columbia recording session on October 26, 1955.

Offered is an original 8" x 10" Silver Gelatin photograph circa 1955 of Miles Davis and John Coltrane playing together at Birdland (perhaps their first recorded shot together).

Encapsulated as a TYPE II original photograph by PSA/DNA (most likely due to the use of a zip code in the stamping)

This original print derived from Popsie's personal archive and stamped on back with his iconic stamp that he used in the 1940s/50s. ORIGINAL photos of Jazz musicians are rarely seen, as opposed to promotional photos put out by the record companies.

About photographer, William "Popsie" Randolph:

William "Popsie" Randolph was a legendary photographer who captured the heart of mid-20th-century jazz and entertainment. Born in New York City in 1920, Randolph started in the Benny Goodman Orchestra before finding his calling behind the camera. From the 1940s to the 1980s, his lens documented the icons of jazz, Broadway, and pop, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.

Randolph's work stands out for its intimacy, capturing both the glamour and raw, unguarded moments of his subjects. Sought after by artists and labels like Columbia Records and RCA, his images graced album covers, newspapers, and magazines, making him a hidden yet influential force in music photography. Though he passed away in 1978, Randolph's photos remain a vital record of American music culture, inspiring generations of musicians and photographers.

 Historic photograph!!!