Larry Rivers

Date of Birth: August 17, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: August 14, 2002

Biography

Larry Rivers, born Yitzroch Loiza Grossberg, was an American artist and jazz musician, who played a significant role in the post-war American art movement. He was born on August 17, 1923, in the Bronx, New York City. Rivers began his career as a jazz saxophonist in the 1940s, playing in various bands and ensembles. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music before transitioning into visual art in the early 1950s. Despite his shift to painting, Rivers never abandoned his musical roots and continued to perform and incorporate musical themes into his art. Rivers’ work in both music and art was often avant-garde, blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes. He was a close associate of many key figures of the Beat Generation and maintained a dynamic presence in both the New York art scene and the jazz music community until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Larry Rivers

1. Larry Rivers was originally named Yitzroch Loiza Grossberg before changing his name.

2. He played tenor saxophone and was heavily involved in the New York jazz scene during the 1940s.

3. Rivers studied under the influential artist Hans Hofmann in the 1950s, which significantly shaped his artistic style.

4. He was a part of the New York School of artists, a group that included notable figures like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.

5. Rivers appeared in Andy Warhol’s film “Eat” in 1963.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Larry Rivers

1. “Art is about paying attention.”

2. “My life has been one long record session.”

3. “The jazz world and the art world are not that different.”

4. “I paint the way some people write their autobiography.”

5. “There’s no such thing as a mistake in jazz—only opportunities.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Larry Rivers’ highest net worth was estimated to be around $5 million at the peak of his career.

Children

Larry Rivers had two sons, Steven and Joseph, with his first wife Augusta Berger. He also had two daughters, Gwynne and Emma, from his relationship with Daria Deshuk.