“Our goal,” says McDowell, “is to create a classic experience that withstands time, just like the Johnson Publishing Company Archive. Not just for the holiday season, but in every season all over the world.”
Rare Photos of Eartha Kitt, The Jackson 5, and More
Getty wishes you a Soulful Seasons Greetings with photos from the Johnson Publishing Company Archive
Eartha Kitt enjoying her two kittens and two poodles at her home, 1959. Photograph by William Lanier
Body Content
This holiday season, Getty is honoring the enduring legacy of the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) Archive.
This vast archival collection includes 4.5 million prints and negatives that chronicle Black life from the 1940s to the present day. Together, says Kimberly McDowell, senior project manager for Getty’s African-American Art History Initiative (AAAHI), the collection is “one of the most comprehensive documentations of African-American history of the 20th century."
Since its acquisition, archivists have been hard at work organizing, inventorying, and cataloging these materials to prepare them to share with the world.
Today, we're taking a moment to celebrate some of the first images to emerge: five rare photos of The Jackson 5, Eartha Kitt, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin.
We invite you to celebrate with us! Take a look, listen to this playlist of Christmas songs by these and other iconic artists in the archive, and share in the nostalgia of the archivists who worked on the project:
The Jackson 5 posing for a portrait, ca. 1975. Photograph by Norman Hunter
“Curating these images was an experience that contextualized the wonderful memories of growing up singing holiday songs in school, with friends and family. The act of excavating and living through one’s own history is now a gift we are able to share with the world, and one that I hope evokes feelings of joy and warmth as you celebrate this holiday season.”
– Skyla Hearn, archivist with Johnson Publishing Company Archive project
Stevie Wonder performs (date unknown). Photograph by Norman L. Hunter
“These artists have inspired my family for multiple generations and will continue to do so as our family grows through time. Connecting with my communities across time and space through music, photos, and other forms of art has always been an important part of my life, and working with the JPC Archive this holiday season is no different.”
– Jehoiada Calvin, archives assistant with the Johnson Publishing Company Archive project
The Temptations performing on stage (date unknown). Photograph by Norman Hunter
“Helping to curate a holiday card from the JPC archive allowed me to rediscover many family musical memories. The photos and the music are all a reminder of holidays past and how music helps create a special connection with loved ones. I’m happy to share a bit of the archive’s magic with everyone and hope that your own holidays will be filled with the sounds of musical moments and memories.”
– Donna Edgar, archivist with the Johnson Publishing Company Archive project
Aretha Franklin singing on stage at Chicago’s McCormick Place, 1972. Photograph by Norman Hunter
"I'm honored to have worked with our archivists in Chicago to usher awareness to this historical jewel,” says McDowell.
Enjoy the debut digital holiday greeting card and specially curated Spotify playlist. We encourage you to share, as a gift that keeps on giving.
Eartha Kitt enjoying her two kittens and two poodles at her home, 1959. Photograph by William Lanier
