I’ve gone down a long road over my 40+ years as a professional photographer facing many creative challenges. I got my start as an intern photographer at the White House during the Carter administration in 1978. After working on both coasts I’ve ended back in Illinois and focus on documentary work, commercial assignments and portraits. Please contact me at jay@jaybryant.com if you need help with a project or photo assignment. All images are copyright 2025 by Jay Bryant. The website for my consulting work for Mint Collective is at: https://mintcollective.net/
The White House Jazz Festival of 1978 was a historic celebration held on June 18, 1978, hosted by President Jimmy Carter on the South Lawn of the White House. This event commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival and marked one of the first major jazz gatherings at the White House, assembling about 40 of the biggest names in jazz in front of approximately 800 guests.
The festival featured performances by legendary musicians, spanning the evolution of jazz, including Eubie Blake, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton, Ornette Coleman, Pearl Bailey, Mary Lou Williams, Roy Eldridge, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Chick Corea, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Benny Carter, Illinois Jacquet, George Benson, Stan Getz, and more.
These are my photographs that I shot at the event while an intern at the White House in 1978Grand Mashall of the Young Tuxedo Brass Band of New Orleans Mathew ‘Fats’ Houston at the White House Jazz Festival in 1978
Tenor Sax player Zoot Sims at White House Jazz Festival in 1978.From left: Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, Lionel Hampton, Pearl Bailey and George BensonMuddy Waters at the White House Jazz FestivalFrom White House Jazz Festival in 1978 – President Jimmy Carter attempted to sing Salt Peanuts with Dizzy Gillespie and drummer Max RoachPresident Jimmy Carter at the White House Jazz Festival in 1978 with son Jack Carter and Gregory Stafford with the Young Tuxedo Brass Band of New Orleans.Piano player Eubie Blake at the White House Jazz Festival in 1978Lionel Hampton at White House Jazz Festival in 1978. He was an American jazz vibraphonist, percussionist, and bandleader In the background is George BensonDizzy Gillespie at the White House Jazz Festival in 1978Drummer Max Roach at the White House Jazz Festival in 1978
I had the privilege of being an intern photographer in 1978 at the White House during the Carter administration. These are some of my favorite images from that summer.
Found out sad news over the weekend that a former co-worker and friend Kate Robinson has passed on. I worked with Kate at TV Guide and LiveWorld.com She had a very warming and caring personality that I will never forget. Photo of Kate from NYC that I shot of her back in 2010.
Sadly, my Dad, Gerald Bryant passed away in September 2023 from COVID complications. He left a legacy of public service, learning and putting children first. His work ethic was incredible. This photo I shot with a Leica M3 2 years ago on film. Good article about Dad here: https://theindependent.com/news/local/obits/longtime-grand-island-educator-bryant-leaves-a-legacy/article_489a9b82-518b-11ee-ba8e-138a8afb546e.html
