June 23 is the birthday of jazz bassist and photographer MILT HINTON (1910-2000).
“I'm not a professional photographer. I got myself good equipment, and I happened to be at the right place at the right time."
Known as the Dean of American jazz bass players, his life on the road was reflected in a series of lifelong nicknames. During his early years in Chicago, he was called “Sporty”; while touring with Cab Calloway, he became “Fump”; and by the 1950s, he was universally known as “The Judge.”
Hinton’s recording career spanned more than six decades. While deeply rooted in jazz, his versatility made him an incredibly prolific session musician across a wide variety of musical genres.
Beyond his musical achievements, Hinton was also an accomplished photographer. His extensive body of work is highly regarded for its unique, insider documentation of the 20th-century American jazz scene.
