Photograph by
Brathwaite, Kwame, American, 1938 - 2023
Subject of
Cohen, Lyor, Israeli American, born 1959
Harrell, Andre, American, born 1960
Sutton, Percy Ellis, American, 1920 - 2009
Jam Master Jay, American, 1965 - 2002
Apollo Theater, American, founded 1934
Def Jam Recordings, American, founded 1984
107.5 FM (WBLS), American, founded 1951
Rush Communications, American, founded 1983
Date
1986
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W (Sheet): 10 13/16 × 14 in. (27.4 × 35.6 cm)
H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 13 9/16 in. (24.1 × 34.5 cm)
Description
A black and white photograph of Lyor Cohen, Andre Harrell, Percy Sutton, Jam Master Jay outside the Apollo Theater.
The four are standing in front of a marquee. There is a neon sign that reads [APOLLO]. The lights are not on. Below, black letters were placed on the marquee. They read [RUSH PRODUCTIONS WBLS 107.5 / PRESENTS / DEF JAM SERIES]. There are rows of light bulbs underneath the sign. There is a no parking sign on the proper right side.
Lyor Cohen is on the proper right side. He has curly hair, a dark colored shirt, and a dark suit jacket. Andre Harrell is to his left. He is wearing large round glasses, a striped shirt, a tie, a vest, and a dark suit jacket. Percy Sutton is to his left. He is balding and has a goatee. He is wearing a white collared shirt and a dark suit jacket. He is wearing a dark tie with thin white diagonal lines. The tie is safety-pinned to the collar. Jam Master Jay is to his left. His right hand is on Percy's shoulder. He is wearing a black hat and a black jacket. The jacket has pockets on either side. The word [JAY] is stitched vertically on the proper right side of the jacket. There is an image on the proper left side that appears to be a perfume bottle. He has a goatee and long sideburns.
The photographer's signature is in black ink under the image on the proper left side. Inscriptions on the back, handwritten by Bill Adler, identify the photographer, subjects, date, and location.
Place captured
Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Eyejammie Hip-Hop Photography Collection
Classification
Media Arts-Photography
Type
gelatin silver prints
Topic
Business
Hip-hop (Music)
Musicians
Photography
Radio
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2015.132.170
Restrictions & Rights
© Kwame Brathwaite
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bb1de0a8-095c-495a-914d-5aed6bd01877

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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