The John Watson collection

The National Jazz Archive is excited to be able to share its latest online photographic collection from music photographer and writer John Watson.

John Watson started as a journalist and began his work as a jazz photographer nearly fifty years ago by photographing Chet Baker at the Rep Theatre in Birmingham. His photographs were nominated for Jazz Photo of the Year in the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA), Jazz Awards of New York, for three consecutive years between 2009-2011.

This dynamic collection contains mostly colour images of major international artists and jazz legends, plus many rising stars. It shows why John Watson has been chosen as a recommended photographer by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).

Watson writes 'I'm fortunate to photograph, and sometimes talk with, some of the greatest musicians on the planet. It's a huge privilege and gives me tremendous satisfaction as both a photographer and lover of jazz.'

Watson's critically-acclaimed photography book 'The power of jazz' is also part of the National Jazz Archive's permanent book collection held at its offices in Loughton, Essex.

Enjoy the collection of John Watson's photographs and explore other photograph collections of the National Jazz Archive available to view online.