Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, with their popularity peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of musicians and patrons, then returning the following week to sell prints.

In August 1947, Smith photographed Duke Ellington’s band when they played at the city’s Civic Auditorium. Here, Duke swings around from the piano towards the audience while drummer Sunny Greer flings his arms wide. Bass player Oscar Pettiford stands behind Duke, near the horn section.

Handwritten on negative sleeve: Duke 8-27-47