Acclaimed Ohio University alumnus Herman Leonard died last month, ending the celebrated career of one of the oldest living Bobcats.
Leonard died Aug. 14 in Los Angeles, according to a press release on his website. He was 87.
Leonard graduated from OU in 1947 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree after serving in the US Army in World War II. Leonard chose OU because it was one of the only schools at the time that offered a degree in photography.
OU President Roderick McDavis gave a written statement celebrating Leonard's life and accomplishments.
We are deeply saddened at Herman Leonard's passing
McDavis said. Through his camera lens he captured exceptional beauty symbolism and meaning. By sharing these breathtaking images with the world
he truly elevated the human spirit.
Leonard returned to OU in 2009 as the commencement speaker and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Fine Arts from McDavis.
It was a privilege for me to award Herman with an honorary doctorate at Ohio University's commencement in 2009. McDavis said, It was a greater honor for me to know this talented alumnus of Ohio University and to call him friend.
Leonard photographed a wide range of subjects but focused on contemporary jazz, according to his website. He had a large studio in New Orleans, which was damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
During his 2009 visit, he toured the Kennedy Museum of Art, talking about his photographs exhibited there. Ed Pauley, the museum's director, said Kennedy has 52 photographs from Leonard, eight of which are currently on display.
Immediately you knew you were in the company of someone special
Pauley said of meeting Leonard. He was a personable person. He was willing to share his knowledge of photography and his experiences as a photographer.
Pauley said Leonard's relationship with each of his subjects allowed him to take quality photographs.
He was close friends with the jazz musicians he photographed
Pauley said, It allowed him access to places no other photographer could go ... studio sessions
recording sessions.
In the end, Leonard's driving force was a passion for jazz.
The musicians he photographed realized he loved jazz and understood jazz. Pauley said, It allowed him to be in situations that no other photographer was.
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Tristan Navera
