This poignant black-and-white photograph captures the iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald in a moment of deep introspection during a live performance in East Germany (DDR) in 1967. In this striking image, Fitzgerald is seen gently resting her hand against her cheek, a gesture that conveys vulnerability and emotional depth. Her eyes, half-closed, reflect a connection to the music and a moment of personal reflection.
Dressed in an elegant black gown, she embodies sophistication and grace, accentuated by her signature hairstyle. The presence of multiple microphones in the frame emphasizes her engagement with the audience, drawing them into her heartfelt performance. The contrasting shadows and highlights enhance the mood of the photograph, creating a dramatic yet intimate atmosphere. This image beautifully encapsulates Fitzgerald's ability to convey powerful emotions through her artistry, making it an exceptional piece for any collector or admirer of music history.
About Tassilo Leher:
Born in the dark years of World War II, Tassilo Leher became an icon of photographic art in divided Germany. As the son of war correspondent Karl Leher, whose lens captured moments of contemporary history, he was born in 1940 in the heart of Berlin.
He shared not only the studio in the picturesque Prenzlauer Berg with his father, but also the mysterious world of the darkroom. While Karl Leher, an early riser, made use of the morning hours, Tassilo found his creative flow only by midday, often working late into the night.
His camera knew no bounds: from the dazzling stars of East German show business like Phudys, Karat, Hildegard Kneef, Manfred Krug, Bubi Scholz, to international greats such as Dean Reed, Karel Gott, Jiri Korn, and Costa Cordalis – all found themselves in front of his lens.
The Friedrichstadt-Palast and numerous film sets became his stages, where he played with light and shadow to perfectly frame famous...
Category
1960s Modern Black and White Photography
MaterialsPhotographic Paper, Black and White