Vintage pencil signatures, “Best always, Billie Holiday,” and “Count Basie,” on an off-white 8.25 x 5.5 sheet, also signed by 12 others, including members of Basie’s orchestra, including: Avery Wilson, James Rushing, Ed Lewis, Dan Minor, Jo Jones, Ronald Washington, Robert Hicks, Herschel Evans, and Buddy Richardson. Evans, one of the great tenor sax men of the 30s, engaged in legendary battles with Lester Young and died at age 29. This is the only signature of his both we and expert Larry Rafferty have ever seen. Intersecting folds, and a uniform shade of toning, otherwise fine condition. Notation on reverse indicates signatures were acquired on December 25, 1937. Basie and Holiday toured together for a year, yet only two recordings of their collaboration were made, coming from their appearances at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. A scarce item from the two legendary jazz artists who shared a successful, although brief and at times cantankerous, relationship. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA. Learn more about Larry Rafferty.
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