FRANCIS WOLFF (1907-1971)
161 • BLUE TRAIN / JOHN COLTRANE. Circa 1957.
54
1
/
2
x38
1
/
2
inches, 138
1
/
2
x98 cm.
Condition A. Framed.
Blue Note Records was founded in 1939 by German émigré, Albert Lion. Shortly after he was joined
by his childhood friend Francis Wolff, whose role in the company was specifically overseeing the finan-
cial affairs. However, as a trained photographer, Wolff would also take pictures during recording
sessions. These photos, under the graphic guidance of Reid Miles, were often used for album covers
and other corporate promotional material. Blue Train was one of four albums Coltrane recorded for
Blue Note, and the only one on which he was the lead performer. This poster, featuring the album’s
cover art, was printed in Britain for the British market.
[1,200/1,800]