JAZZ Forum - A Celebration of Bill Gottlieb

Creator of some of the most iconic images in all of jazz, William P. Gottlieb (1917-2006) contributed to the music in other ways too. His "Swing Sessions" column ran in The Washington Post in the 1930s and 1940s, providing a first-hand, often behind-the-scenes look at the city's jazz activities that was enhanced by his own photographs. At the same time he was the host of the first jazz radio show in Washington, DC.

Gottlieb's work for Down Beat magazine in the 1940s established his national reputation and he wrote for The Record Changer and other publications as well. Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme – these are just a few of the jazz legends who were photographed by Gottlieb. He was also an early friend of Atlantic Records founders Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun when they were hosting jazz soirees at the Turkish embassy in Washington.

Joining us from the Library of Congress Music Division will be our guest host, Larry Appelbaum, who will present highlights from the extensive photograph collection Gottlieb donated to the Library to mark its entry into the public domain.

Our very special guests will provide a rare perspective on Gottlieb’s life and career. Delia Potofsky Gottlieb will speak about her husband and tell stories - going back to their early days in Washington - that will bring the images to life. Steve Gottlieb, himself a world-renowned photographer, will share insights both personal and professional about the remarkable body of work that his father created.

This event is not to be missed.

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The UDC campus is easily accessible on Metro's Red Line, Van Ness/UDC station. Campus map: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm

This event is free and open to the public, but be aware that seating is limited.