Jim Marshall Thelonious Monk Backstage, Monterey Jazz Festival, 1964
Jim Marshall Thelonious Monk Backstage, Monterey Jazz Festival, 1964
A Rare Backstage Portrait of Jazz Royalty | Limited Edition Archival Photography
Captured in 1964, this remarkable black-and-white photograph by legendary photographer Jim Marshall presents Thelonious Monk in a rare backstage moment at the Monterey Jazz Festival—relaxed, dignified, and unmistakably iconic. Far from the spotlight of the stage, Monk appears in quiet command of his presence, embodying the genius, individuality, and gravity that defined his place in jazz history.
Photographed in the exclusive Hunt Club area, reserved for musicians and artists, the image reveals Monk not as a performer in motion, but as a cultural force at rest—poised, contemplative, and effortlessly magnetic. The composition emphasizes natural posture, subtle expression, and environmental texture, allowing Marshall’s lens to document the man behind the legend with extraordinary intimacy.
This period marked a defining chapter in Monk’s career, as his influence on modern jazz had fully crystallized, shaping generations of musicians to follow. The photograph transcends documentation—it functions as a historical artifact, preserving a moment of quiet humanity from one of the most revolutionary figures in American music.
Printed as a museum-grade limited edition archival print, this work is part of the Jim Marshall Estate Collection, produced on premium cotton archival paper to ensure exceptional tonal depth, longevity, and historical preservation.
A cornerstone acquisition for collectors of jazz history, cultural Americana, and fine art photography, this piece is available for private viewing at Studio CT in Agoura Hills, California.
Photographer: Jim Marshall
Subject: Thelonious Monk
Location: Monterey Jazz Festival, Hunt Club backstage
Year: 1964
Medium: Archival photographic print
Edition: Limited Edition Estate Print
Paper: Cotton archival paper
Presentation: Ready to hang
Framing: Custom framing available
Sizes: Multiple sizes available
Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Each museum-quality photograph is hand-numbered, and bears the official estate seal on the reverse.
Explore our collection, which includes:
Limited Edition Estate Prints
- These exclusive prints are meticulously curated from Jim's extensive personal archive of over 1 million negatives.
- Each print exclusively available in one size, as listed.
- Crafted with precision, each Limited Edition Estate Photograph represents a unique moment frozen in time, with no duplication of previously available images from Jim's lifetime.
- Jim Marshall's Limited Edition Estate photographs are printed to order.
Lifetime Photographs
- From the depths of Marshall's legacy, his Lifetime Photographs encapsulate the essence of his work.
- Printed either in 11" x 14" or 16" x 20".
- Some are available as classic silver gelatin prints, offering the timeless allure of black and white photography. Occasionally, they are presented in platinum and dye-transfer prints, adding depth and richness to Marshall's already profound imagery.
- Some lifetime photographs available are signed pieces sourced directly from Jim Marshall's estate archive, making them exceedingly rare and increasingly valuable collector's items.
Note: A silver gelatin print is a classic black and white photograph made using a gelatin silver process. Light-sensitive silver salts on paper or film react to light, creating a latent image developed with chemicals, resulting in a high-quality black and white print.
- Jim Marshall frames are 1 ¼" face and ¾" depth for a classic touch.
- Jim Marshall pieces only come in a black, matted frame, or unframed.
- Our frames are made to order and handcrafted, ensuring quality and attention to detail.
- We prioritize preservation using 99% UV acrylic glass in our standard frames, filtering out 99% of harmful UV rays. (This ensures your artwork stays vibrant and protected over time.)
- Artwork securely mounted on Kool Tack Acid-Free Foam Board for optimal preservation.
- Expertly framed with a sturdy strainer frame and French wood cleat system for seamless hanging.
- Includes acid-free foam spacers for added support and longevity
- Unit price
- /per
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
This website is encrypted. We take your security very seriously. All transactions powered by Shopify.
Adding product to your cart
Recommended
You might want to take a closer look.