John Jacob Niles at the Piano

about 1927–1934

Medium

Platinum print

Dimensions

15.3 × 20 cm

Status

In Museum Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-413152

Doris Ulmann and her husband Dr. Charles Jaeger had divorced by the mid-1920s. In 1925 she met John Jacob ("Jack") Niles (1892-1980), an actor, musician, composer, and Kentucky balladeer. By 1927 he had become her general assistant as well as frequent escort on evenings out at the theater, opera, and ballet. As a Park Avenue resident of independent means, Ulmann had a staff to maintain her apartment and provide transportation when needed. However, a knee injury made it difficult for her to carry the heavy photographic equipment (glass plates, view cameras, and tripods) with which she preferred to work. Niles was hired not only to assist with the equipment but also because he could facilitate Ulmann's introduction to more remote parts of the mountainous Southeast, where she would increasingly spend more time. As one who shared her interest in preserving the culture of the Southern Highlands, he acted as an informed assistant and helpful collaborator. The two were on the road as much as five clement months each year; during the winter months Niles was often away on concert tours with his partner, the singer Marion Kerby. He sometimes stayed with Ulmann when in New York and, under h…