Jay Maisel Obituary, NEW YORK — Jay Maisel, the acclaimed American photographer whose work included the celebrated photograph of Miles Davis featured on the cover of Kind of Blue, has died at the age of 95. His passing has prompted recognition of a career that spanned more than six decades and left a lasting mark on photography.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1931, Maisel began his professional photography career in 1954 after studying graphic design, painting and fine arts. He became known for his distinctive approach to light, color and gesture, elements that became central to his photographic style throughout his career.
Maisel photographed a number of major cultural figures, including Miles Davis and Marilyn Monroe. His photograph of Davis became one of his most recognized works after it appeared on the cover of the jazz musician’s landmark 1959 album, Kind of Blue, helping cement the image as an enduring piece of music and photographic history.
His career extended well beyond music photography. Maisel worked on major commercial campaigns and for publications including Sports Illustrated. He also created the first two covers of New York Magazine. His work received recognition from organizations including the International Center of Photography, the American Society of Media Photographers and the Art Directors Club.
Maisel was also respected for his contribution to photography education. After stepping away from commercial photography in the 1990s, he focused on personal projects, lectures and workshops, where he shared his experience and approach with younger generations of photographers.
His connection to New York remained an important part of his life and work. For approximately five decades, Maisel lived and worked in the historic 190 Bowery building in Manhattan. His departure from the building was later documented in the 2019 film Jay Myself.
The specific cause of Jay Maisel’s death has not been publicly confirmed in the information available. No illness or medical circumstance has been attributed to his passing without confirmation from his family or representatives.
Maisel leaves behind a remarkable photographic legacy through the images he created and the photographers he influenced through his teaching. His celebrated photograph of Miles Davis, along with his broader body of work, will remain an important part of his contribution to American photography. He will be remembered for his dedication to light, color, experimentation and the art of seeing the extraordinary in everyday scenes. May his memory be honored through the work and generations of photographers he inspired.
