Influential American jazz drummer and bandleader (1919-1990) who pioneered the bebop style. Over the years he worked with Fletcher Henderson and Billy Eckstine, and then with bebop musicians Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie before forming the Jazz Messengers in the mid-1950s. Vintage glossy 8 x 10 publicity photo of Blakey elatedly playing his drums against a starry backdrop, signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen "To Johnny, The Very Best, Art Blakey, Drums.” In fine condition, with scattered light creases and surface impressions. Learn more about this photo.