Gerald Wilson Monterey Jazz Festival 2007 © Paul Slaughter

This is the 90th year of the great American jazz orchestra leader and composer, Gerald Wilson. I recall playing his inventive music in the late sixties when I was a disc jockey on KBCA-FM, a jazz radio station in Los Angeles. In 2007 I had the good fortune to attend and photograph the 50th Anniversary of the Monterey Jazz Festival, and hear the exciting sounds of Gerald and his great orchestra. Another treat was having a Sunday morning breakfast with Gerald and his lovely wife, Josephine, along with a few other photographers covering the Festival. A great morning with a most gracious couple.

John Cage Los Angeles 1987 © Paul Slaughter

Today, September 5, is the birthday of John Cage, the American composer, who was born in 1912 and died, August 12, 1992. Cage was a pioneer of chance music, electronic music and non-standard use of musical instruments. Cage was one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde. Critics have lauded him as one of the most influential American composers of the 20th century. This photograph was taken during the Los Angeles Theater Festival in 1987.

The Lighthouse, Hermosa Beach, CA. 1969 © Paul Slaughter

I think that's a VW beetle on the right reflecting the neon lights of that once fabulous jazz club, the Lighthouse, in Hermosa Beach, California. Where did the past forty years go anyway? Just think hearing the cool sounds of Dizzy and Gabor. Oh, The entrance fee for ladies night was $ 1.50.

Dave Grusin Santa Fe 2009 © Paul Slaughter

Dave Grusin, Academy Award winning composer, peforming at the

4th Annual New Mexico Jazz Festival, Lensic Theater, Santa Fe.

Jimmy Heath Santa Fe, NM © Paul Slaughter

Jimmy Heath performed with his Generations Band at the

New Mexico Jazz Festival, Santa Fe, July 19, 2009.

Nancy Wilson Albuquerque, NM 2004 © Paul Slaughter

Nancy Wilson performing with terrific style and grace on August 29, 2004 at the Popejoy Theater on the University of New Mexico campus.

Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal 1984 © Paul Slaughter

This photograph of the Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal was taken during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Arts Festival. Pina Bausch, the German dancer and choreographer, is seen second from right in the image, performing in Igor Stravinsky's, Rite of Spring. Pina Bausch died June 30, 2009, at 68.

Michael Jackson Academy Awards 1973 © Paul Slaughter

In 1971 I did a photo session with the Jackson Five and later did their album cover, ABC. This is my favorite photograph of Michael. What a tragic loss of a nice person and a great talent.

Dizzy Gillespie Concerts By The Sea 1975 © Paul Slaughter

I have had the great pleasure of photographing dear Dizzy at numerous concerts, clubs, and festivals, in Paris, Helsinki, Monterey and Los Angeles. Backstage at the Lighthouse Dizzy was about to light up his cigar. I said, "hold it." He did and gave me this memorable photograph.

Charles Lloyd Santa Fe 2005 © Paul Slaughter

Today I received a surprise call from my good friend, Charles Lloyd, who is off tomorrow for his summer tour beginning in Vigo, Spain, then back to the U.S. and later in July he will perform with his group, Jason Moran, piano, Reuben Rogers, base, and Eric Harland, drums, in Canada, Nice, Italy and Germany. Listen to his CD, "Rabo du Nube." You will enjoy the soothing sounds of a most remarkable group.

I have been photographing Charles since the early seventies. Here is a photo I did of Charles in Santa Fe in 2005.