Timeline

1923

Born in Allentown, PA

1947

BFA in photography from Ohio University

1947–1948

Apprenticeship in Ottawa with master portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh

1949

His passion for jazz brings him to New York City's Greenwich Vilage, where he establishes a studio

late–1950s

Moves to Paris where he continues to photograph the jazz scene, as well as working in fashion and advertising photography

1956

Chosen to be Marlon Brando's personal photographer for an extensive research trip to the Far East

1985

Releases his first book, "The Eye of Jazz"

1980–1988

Lives in Ibiza

1988

The first exhibition of his jazz photographs is held at the Special Photographers Company in London

1989

Has his first US show, which tours nationally

1991

Moves to New Orleans

1995

Releases his second book, "Jazz Memories"

1999

Receives the Milt Hinton Award for Excellence in Jazz Photography from Jazz Photographer's Association

2000

Receives the Excellence in Photography Award from the Jazz Journalists Association

2004

Receives the Lifetime Achievement Award form Downbeat Magazine

2005

Relocates to California after his home and photo studio are destroyed by Hurricane Katrina

2006

Herman releases his third book: Jazz, Giants, And Journeys: The Photography of Herman Leonard

2007

Establishment of The Herman Leonard Jazz Archive

2010

Died in Los Angeles