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James Brown — The Learjet
Mississauga, Ontario, May 19, 1974
Captured for Jet magazine, this historically significant photograph shows James Brown in his rhinestone-encrusted jumpsuit posed in front of his own Learjet 23—making him the first African American to own a private jet. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited edition.
The Full Story
The Moment
This photograph shows James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," confidently posed in front of his own Learjet 23. The jet, black with the first line of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" written along its side in green, was purchased by Brown in 1966. This image documents Brown at the peak of his power, wealth, and self-determination, blending personal pride, civil rights significance, and musical history in a single frame.
The Heritage
The Learjet wasn't just a symbol of luxury; it was a tactical tool that earned Brown the moniker "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business." He famously used it to travel between cities in a single day, performing high-energy sets before flying to the next engagement. Rowlands captures the full force of Brown's ambition, discipline, and explosive charisma against the sleek metallic fuselage of his jet—a visual metaphor for his revolutionary impact on music, business, and culture.
Editions & Dimensions
SMALL (16") — Edition 150
Paper Size: 18.66" × 19.33"
Image Area: 16" × 16"
Margins: 1.33" (sides/top), 2" (bottom)
Shipping: 19"L × 5"W × 5"H, 2.0 lbs
MEDIUM (24") — Edition 100
Paper Size: 28" × 29"
Image Area: 24" × 24"
Margins: 2" (sides/top), 3" (bottom)
Shipping: 28"L × 5"W × 5"H, 3.0 lbs
LARGE (33") — Edition 50
Paper Size: 38.5" × 40.13"
Image Area: 33" × 33"
Margins: 2.75" (sides/top), 4.13" (bottom)
Shipping: 37"L × 6"W × 6"H, 4.0 lbs
Provenance & Release
Newly revealed from the John Rowlands archive, professionally scanned and signed. This is the first museum-grade, full-resolution release of this historically and culturally significant photograph. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited and hand-numbered. Museum-grade scanning and archival pigment printing on heavyweight, acid-free fine art paper.Mississauga, Ontario, May 19, 1974
Captured for Jet magazine, this historically significant photograph shows James Brown in his rhinestone-encrusted jumpsuit posed in front of his own Learjet 23—making him the first African American to own a private jet. Hand-signed by John Rowlands, strictly limited edition.
The Full Story
The Moment
This photograph shows James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," confidently posed in front of his own Learjet 23. The jet, black with the first line of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" written along its side in green, was purchased by Brown in 1966. This image documents Brown at the peak of his power, wealth, and self-determination, blending personal pride, civil rights significance, and musical history in a single frame.
The Heritage
The Learjet wasn't just a symbol of luxury; it was a tactical tool that earned Brown the moniker "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business." He famously used it to travel between cities in a single day, performing high-energy sets before flying to the next engagement. Rowlands captures the full force of Brown's ambition, discipline, and explosive charisma against the sleek metallic fuselage of his jet—a visual metaphor for his revolutionary impact on music, business, and culture.
Editions & Dimensions
SMALL (16") — Edition 150
Paper Size: 18.66" × 19.33"
Image Area: 16" × 16"
Margins: 1.33" (sides/top), 2" (bottom)
Shipping: 19"L × 5"W × 5"H, 2.0 lbs
MEDIUM (24") — Edition 100
Paper Size: 28" × 29"
Image Area: 24" × 24"
Margins: 2" (sides/top), 3" (bottom)
Shipping: 28"L × 5"W × 5"H, 3.0 lbs
LARGE (33") — Edition 50
Paper Size: 38.5" × 40.13"
Image Area: 33" × 33"
Margins: 2.75" (sides/top), 4.13" (bottom)
Shipping: 37"L × 6"W × 6"H, 4.0 lbs