This Is the Spot Where "A Great Day in Harlem" Was Photographed in 1958

The exact spot where "A Great Day in Harlem" was photographed still stands today.

Today marks the day in 1958 when dozens of jazz greats posed for a photo that became known as "A Great Day in Harlem."

Captured by photographer Art Kane for Esquire magazine on August 12th 67 years ago, the famous black-and-white image (original title: "Harlem 1958") shows 58 legends, including Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, and Sonny Rollins (the only one still alive) gathered on the stoop of a stately Harlem brownstone.

So where exactly was the picture taken and does the spot still exist?

Indeed, the location still stands today: townhouse number 17 on E 126th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues in East Harlem.

The block was even co-named “Art Kane Harlem 1958 Place” in 2021 to commemorate the famous spot.

You can find the street sign just steps from the brownstone on the northwest corner of E 126th Street and Madison Avenue.

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