DS, one page, 8.5 x 10.75, January 23, 1953. Presented here is an AGVA Standard Form of Artists Engagement Contract by which Billie Holiday agrees to perform two shows daily for two weeks at the Birdland lounge in Chicago. As enthusiasts of her unique jazz stylings are surely aware, the legendary singer frequented New York city’s own Birdland jazz club. In fact, Holiday was even able to perform there after the club’s owner, her boyfriend, pulled strings to procure for her a cabaret card after hers was revoked following a drug conviction. The offered agreement made binding Holiday’s promise that she would showcase her singular talents for those lucky individuals that visited the Windy City’s iteration of the NYC locale. She signed the page, boldly in fact, in blue ballpoint, and the document was also penned by the club’s operator and a booking agent. In fine condition with a few small edge chips, light creasing and wrinkling. RRAuction COA.
