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. Excellent vintage glossy 7.25 x 9.5 upward-facing photo of Blakey smoking a cigarette while playing the drums, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, "To Johnny, Here's hoping we always remain great friends, Art Blakey, Batterie.” In fine condition. Learn more about this photo.