From 14 year-old budding jazz musician to 30-something father-of-two, one thing has remained consistent: jazz posters on my bedroom wall.
These days they tend to be surrounded by a nice frame rather than tape, but the idea is the same: iconic artwork from the world of jazz is (in my opinion) a stylish addition to any wall!
In this article I’m going to be sharing a few of my personal favourites….
From the intimate clubs of the Roaring Twenties to the vibrant jazz festivals of today, the art of jazz has not only captivated our ears but also our eyes through its iconic posters.
These pieces of art, much like the music they represent, tell stories of emotion, improvisation, and the cultural zeitgeist of their era.
Whether framed in a sleek modern living room or adorning the walls of a cozy study, jazz posters offer a stylish and deeply personal touch to any space.
The History of Jazz Posters: A Visual Journey
Jazz posters have evolved from simple promotional flyers to intricate works of art.
In the early days, they served a purely practical purpose of advertising live performances, often created with vibrant colours and bold typography to catch the eye of passersby.
As jazz evolved, so did the posters, reflecting the changing styles and attitudes within the music.
From the Art Deco elegance of the 1920s to the psychedelic swirls of the 1960s, the history of these pieces of art is a fascinating mirror to the history of jazz itself.
Iconic Jazz Posters: A Closer Look at the Classics
Some jazz posters have become as legendary as the musicians they depict.
Think of the Blue Note Records covers, which are celebrated for their minimalist design and innovative photography, or the whimsical illustrations of Thelonious Monk’s albums.
These posters not only captured the essence of the music but also pushed the boundaries of graphic design, influencing generations of designers and music lovers alike.
Types of jazz posters
When it comes to buying jazz posters, there are a few different categories you might keep in mind.
I’ve outlined the main ones below, along with a bonus idea which is my favourite!
Jazz quotes
The history of jazz brings us no shortage of iconic quotes from our favourite musicians.
Translated into a stylish visual, these make for great jazz artwork, as per this example!
Album Cover posters
Classic jazz albums are more often than not works of art in themselves.
As such, there’s no shortage of posters which feature your favourite albums in big, wall-hanging format!
Jazz Festival Posters
Whether paying tribute to an iconic festival of yesteryear, or keeping a momento from a festival you’ve attended yourself, festival – or club – posters are a great talking point when seen hanging on your wall.
Not to mention (regarding the example below) a super reminder of just how lucky fans were back in the 50s and 60s to see so many famous jazz musicians in one place!
Jazz Photography & Portraits
We’re lucky that, whilst many of the legends of jazz have sadly departed, there were some equally-talented photographers capturing them in their prime.
Many of these have now made their way into poster format, as this brilliant example below showcases…
Bonus: Actual Vinyl
I don’t know about you, but classic jazz vinyl seems too good to be kept hidden away in a cabinet or shelf.
In my offer, I’ve used some of my favourite records as artwork in themselves, fixing them to the wall and displaying them face-forwards on shelves.
It’s not technically a poster, but it looks great!
Where to Find Vintage Jazz Posters: A Collector’s Guide
Whilst there is no shortage of jazz artwork to buy new, online, those looking to own a piece of jazz history may well enjoy the hunt for vintage jazz posters more!
These pieces can be found in various places, from online auction sites to antique shops and estate sales.
Some of the best places I’ve come across online include:
Aesthetics and the thrill of the chase aside, some of these pieces also hold serious historical and (as a result) financial value.
Modern Jazz Posters: Blending Tradition with Contemporary Design
Contemporary designers continue to be inspired by the rich visual legacy of jazz posters, blending traditional motifs with modern design trends.
Today’s jazz posters might incorporate digital art techniques or experimental typography, yet they still strive to capture the spontaneous, fluid nature of jazz music.
These modern interpretations are a testament to the genre’s enduring influence on visual culture.
Displaying These Posters at Home or at The Office?
If you ask me, jazz posters can add a touch of sophistication and personality to any room.
(My wife not so much)
If you need to convince a fellow housemate that these posters are going to add some real style to the decor, consider framing a vintage poster!
Grouping several posters together can create an eye-catching gallery wall, while a single large poster can serve as a striking focal point.
Conclusion: Why Jazz Posters Are More Than Just Wall Decor
To me, jazz posters are much more than mere decorations; they’re a celebration of jazz’s rich cultural heritage and a reflection of its ongoing influence – as well as a sign to anyone that visits that I’m a jazzer!
Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or new to the genre, incorporating jazz posters into your home is a stylish way to pay homage to the art form that has given so much to so many…
Do you have a rare or unusual jazz poster you’re proud of? Feel free to share a photo or link via the comments section!
Looking to buy for a jazz fan friend? Check out our full pick of jazz gifts.
I don’t think I can leave a picture of what I have. It is a Jazz concert poster, I think. It is a signed by Davey? 1959 in think in pensile and it is a black and white abstract 18×20 of 5 black musicians, all holding horns except for one which is playing the bass. It says Concert on top abstract. framed by The Art Nook in MIllburn, NJ
Matt,
I have a wonderful poster of Ella singing at Downbeat NYC in 1949 with appreciative Ellington and Goodman in the audience. It’s from the Herman Leonard Collection. A lot of other faces seem very familiar but aren’t identified.
Cool post idea and would love to see some more examples. Wish I had more available wall space!