© Hank O'Neal

Milt Hinton 1910-2000

Celebrating the Jazz Bassist
and
Photographer

Celebrating the Life of Legendary Musician & Photographer Milt Hinton

Milt was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and moved to Chicago in 1919. After spending 15 years as the bassist in Cab Calloway's legendary orchestra, he became a session musician in New York City, recording more than a thousand jazz and pop music singles and albums with all the greats - from Pops, Billie and Miles, to Sinatra, Streisand, and McCartney.

Throughout his career, he took more than 60 thousand photos of his fellow musicians and friends. These, along with his insightful recollections, tell an extraordinary life story that he willingly shared with younger generations. In his senior years, Milt was known as a generous educator and an accomplished artist and documentarian - a pillar of the jazz community.

Mona played a vital role in Milt’s career as a bookkeeper, business advisor, promoter, and music contractor. She and Milt were together for sixty years. They were celebrated in their St. Albans, Queens community and as cherished role models.