ALBUM / IMAGE: Karma (Impulse! Records, 1969)

ARTIST CONTEXT

Pharoah Sanders (1940-2022) was one of the most influential saxophonists of the twentieth century, renowned for his spiritual approach to jazz and his powerful, expressive sound. His collaborations with John Coltrane and groundbreaking solo recordings helped define spiritual jazz.

CHUCK STEWART / PHOTOGRAPH CONTEXT

Chuck Stewart's portrait of Pharoah Sanders captures the quiet intensity and spiritual presence that defined the saxophonist's music. Chosen for the cover of Karma, the photograph became one of the defining visual images of the Impulse! Records era

RECOMMENDED LISTENING

The Creator Has a Master Plan - Listen on YouTube

Colors - Listen on YouTube

You've Got to Have Freedom - 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.

The Future Sound - "Lady / What's a Bro to Do?" (draws from or samples "The Creator Has a Master Plan") - Listen on YouTube

The Future Sound - "Intro" (draws from or samples "The Creator Has a Master Plan") - 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.