c. 1966 | Jersey City, New Jersey

ARTIST CONTEXT

Thelonious Monk was one of modern jazz’s most original composers and pianists. His angular melodies, unexpected silences, dissonant harmonies, and unmistakable rhythmic language helped define bebop while remaining entirely his own.

CHUCK STEWART / PHOTOGRAPH CONTEXT

“I adored Monk both as a musician and as a subject for my camera... Monk answered the door wearing a Jewish yarmulke... I asked if he would mind removing it. He said, ‘No way! One hat a day! If you want another hat, you’ll have to come back tomorrow.’” — Chuck Stewart

RECOMMENDED LISTENING

▶ ’Round Midnight — Listen on YouTube Music