Bird (Charlie Parker), 1956

LeRoy Neiman's artistic contribution to Playboy cannot be overstated. Originally a friend of Hugh Hefner's, Neiman has contributed countless original drawings and paintings as well as content for articles from the early years of the magazine, through the present day. Neiman's early works, such as this portrait of Charlie Parker, are thoughtful evocations of his subject, and exhibit the bold gestural brushstrokes that would come to define define his trademark style.