Astoria Theatre Collection

Duke Ellington Band, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1963. Creator: Brian Foskett
Duke Ellington Band, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1963

Sam Woodyard, American jazz drummer, c1963. Creator: Brian Foskett
Sam Woodyard, American jazz drummer, c1963

Lawrence Brown, American jazz trombonist, 1962. Creator: Brian Foskett
Lawrence Brown, American jazz trombonist, 1962

Louis Armstrong backsage at Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962. Creator: Brian Foskett
Louis Armstrong backsage at Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962

Louis Armstrong relaxing backstage, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962. Creator: Brian Foskett
Louis Armstrong relaxing backstage, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962

Jimmy Rushing, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1963. Creator: Brian Foskett
Jimmy Rushing, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1963

Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Finsbury Park Astroria, London, 1962. Creator
Cootie Williams, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Finsbury Park Astroria, London, 1962

Louis Armstrong and All Stars on stage on Day 2, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962

Danny Barcelona on stage on Day 2, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962. Creator: Brian Foskett
Danny Barcelona on stage on Day 2, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962

Danny Barcelona off stage on Day 2, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962. Creator: Brian Foskett
Danny Barcelona off stage on Day 2, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962

Trummy Young back stage on Day 2 at Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962. Creator: Brian Foskett
Trummy Young back stage on Day 2 at Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962

Louis Armstrong on stage on Day 2, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962. Creator: Brian Foskett
Louis Armstrong on stage on Day 2, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1962

Count Basie backstage, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1963. Creator: Brian Foskett
Count Basie backstage, Finsbury Park Astoria, London, 1963

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Step back in time to the iconic Astoria Theatre, a legendary venue that hosted some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. In 1962 and 1963, this historic theater in Finsbury Park, London became a hub for unforgettable performances by the Duke Ellington Band and other jazz legends. Captured through the lens of photographer Brian Foskett, these rare images transport us to a bygone era. We see Sam Woodyard, the American jazz drummer, immersed in his craft during an electrifying performance. Lawrence Brown's trombone resonates with soulful melodies that fill every corner of the Astoria Theatre. But it was Louis Armstrong who truly stole the show. Backstage at Finsbury Park Astoria, we catch glimpses of him both relaxed and focused before taking center stage. His magnetic presence captivates audiences as he effortlessly brings his trumpet to life on Day 2. The Duke Ellington Band graces this hallowed stage with their unparalleled talent and energy. Cootie Williams' trumpet blares alongside Danny Barcelona's rhythmic beats on Day 2. Trummy Young adds depth with his trombone while Jimmy Rushing mesmerizes with his powerful vocals. These photographs immortalize not only the performers but also the spirit and atmosphere itself – a place where music transcends boundaries and unites people from all walks of life, and is here that history was made; where timeless melodies echoed through its walls leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to witness it firsthand.