Playboy magazine has had many iconic covers throughout its decades-long history. Perhaps one of the most recognizable is the September 1968 issue featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono posing nude for a photograph taken by Annie Leibovitz. This photo became known as the "Bare As You Dare" cover and caused quite a stir when it hit newsstands. But what you may not know is that Playboy also featured another famous couple on their cover - Miles Davis and his wife Frances Taylor. In this article, we will explore how Playboy championed jazz music through its pages, profiling major artists like Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington.
The relationship between Playboy and jazz began in the early days of the magazine's publication. Hefner was an avid fan of jazz music and wanted to showcase the genre in his publication. One of his first articles was about the legendary Miles Davis, who graced the cover of the February 1958 issue. The article, written by Nat Hentoff, detailed Davis' life story up until that point, including his time playing with Charlie Parker and his move from bebop to cool jazz. It was a comprehensive look at one of the greatest musicians of all time, and helped to cement Davis' place in the pantheon of jazz greats.
In addition to profiles, Playboy also hosted live performances by some of the biggest names in jazz. The inaugural Playboy Jazz Festival took place in 1959 and has continued every year since then (with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic). The festival has featured acts such as Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Chick Corea, and many more. These performances were often recorded for broadcast on television or radio, exposing millions of people to the magic of jazz music.
Playboy also published numerous interviews with jazz musicians throughout its history. Some of the most notable include interviews with Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Dizzy Gillespie. These interviews gave readers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of these artists and their creative processes. They also provided insight into the social issues of the day, which many jazz musicians were vocal about.
Finally, Playboy even published original compositions by jazz musicians. In 1963, the magazine printed a piece called "The Lamp Is Low," written by Miles Davis and Gil Evans. This song became an instant classic and is still performed by jazz musicians today.
Overall, Playboy's commitment to jazz music was significant. Hefner's love of the genre led him to feature it prominently in his publication and promote it through events like the Playboy Jazz Festival. The magazine helped introduce many people to jazz and bring attention to the great musicians who created it. It's no wonder that so many fans consider Playboy one of the best outlets for jazz coverage ever.