The only color is the name, Donald Fagen The Nightfly, running across the top.
Donald Fagen’s head is turned towards the mic, leaving half his face and both eyes in shadow. His head is the top point of a triangle formed by his body and turntable in front of him.
With the blue title along the top this triangle gives the cover the shape of a Z.
The clock in the studio reads 4:09 am. The ashtray beside the microphone is cluttered with half a pack of chesterfield kings. The light of a single bulb falls hard onto his face. There’s likely no one awake for miles.
The image places you as the lone listener to this broadcast. a position that colors the songs on The Nightfly with voyeuristic intimacy. This show is not for happy well adjusted people. The title is the same blue as the illuminated radio dial cutting through the dark in your car. This show is for an insomniac. but it’s host is not there to help you sleep.
The Nightfly is a grim companion through the loneliest hours.
His voice cuts in…
“I’m Lester The Nightfly. Hello Baton Rouge. Won’t you turn your radio down.”