The New Orleans Jazz Museum is proud to present A WONDERFUL WORLD: Jazz and Blues Musician Portraits by Richard Corman, a powerful photographic exhibition showcasing the vibrant spirit of jazz and blues musicians from across the country.
For the past decade, renowned photographer Richard Corman has worked closely with the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) to document the lives and performances of the musicians the organization supports. Through deeply personal portraits and behind-the-scenes moments at JFA events—especially their legendary Apollo Theater galas—Corman captures the resilience, artistry, and humanity of jazz and blues artists, both emerging and iconic.
This exhibition brings together a collection of these compelling images, many of which were taken right here in New Orleans, offering a window into the lives of musicians who have shaped the soundtrack of our lives. The photographs serve not only as stunning visual art, but also as a testament to the mission of the Jazz Foundation of America—providing housing, medical care, and emergency assistance to musicians in need. The New Orleans Jazz Museum is honored to share these stories and portraits with the public, shining a light on the vital legacy of jazz and blues culture. This exhibition stands as both an artistic achievement and a call to recognize and support the people behind the music we cherish.