Netflix recreates iconic ‘A Great Day in Harlem’ photo

During the BET Awards on Sunday, Netflix aired a new photo and video featuring 47 black actors and directors from the streaming platform’s series and films. Inspired by the iconic “A Great Day in Harlem” photo from 1958, Netflix’s Strong Black Lead arm gathered the likes of Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Lena Waithe and Justin Simien among others on the Universal Studios backlot for their own “A Great Day in Hollywood.”

On August 12, 1958, freelance photographer Art Kane, working for Esquire, was assigned to photograph a group of 57 notable jazz musicians in Harlem. The black-and-white photo, which became known as “A Great Day in Harlem” and published in the magazine’s January 1959 issue, eventually became the basis for the Oscar-nominated 1994 documentary of the same name. In the photo are jazz legends including Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams and Sonny Rollins.

“This photo is simply iconic,” said Watson Banks Netflix’s director of brand and editorial, “and it’s on the walls of many of our older family members’ homes. It’s rare that you can gather that many powerhouses together for a single reason, and when we realised just how many black talent Netflix works with, we knew we had to try and re-create this with our actors, writers and directors.”

Kwaku Alston, who has photographed Oscar and Grammy winners as well as President Barack Obama and his family, shot the photo.

“Group shots are important because they represent and create legacy that transcends time,” he said. “’A Great Day in Hollywood’ represents fellowship and community and honouring a creative community at this important time in American history is crucial to changing the narrative in a positive direction.”

He added: “It’s an honour to be part of the journey and narrative of what Netflix is trying to accomplish and represent. Photographically, I stand on the shoulders of many who came before me and who have inspired my vision. Paying homage to Art Kane’s ‘A Great Day in Harlem’ will be a highlight in my career as an image maker.”