ALBUM / IMAGE: Astral Traveling (Flying Dutchman, 1973)

ARTIST CONTEXT

Lonnie Liston Smith is a pioneering pianist and composer whose cosmic blend of jazz, funk, soul, and spiritual music became a rich source of inspiration for hip-hop. His expansive keyboard sound continues to resonate across generations.

CHUCK STEWART / PHOTOGRAPH CONTEXT

Chuck Stewart's portrait captures Lonnie Liston Smith at the beginning of his groundbreaking solo career. Featured on Astral Traveling, the photograph introduced audiences to an artist whose music would become deeply influential in jazz, soul, and hip-hop.

RECOMMENDED LISTENING

Astral Traveling - Listen on YouTube

A Garden of Peace - Listen on YouTube

Expansions - Listen on YouTube

HEAR THE HIP-HOP CONNECTION

Chuck Stewart photographed musicians whose recordings became part of hip-hop's evolving musical vocabulary. These selected links offer a glimpse of how jazz sounds were reimagined by later artists.

Jay-Z - "Dead Presidents II" (draws from or samples "A Garden of Peace") - Listen on YouTube

2Pac - "Pain" (draws from or samples "A Garden of Peace") - Listen on YouTube

The Notorious B.I.G. - "Dead Wrong" (draws from or samples "Lonnie Liston Smith recording") - Listen on YouTube

FROM JAZZ TO HIP-HOP

Chuck Stewart's photographs captured artists who shaped the sound of modern music. Through sampling, their recordings continue to inspire new generations, connecting jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary culture.