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Lot #665
Billie Holiday Signed Photograph

Beautiful Holiday portrait from her famed 'Strange Fruit' photo session

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Estimate: $2000+
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Description

Beautiful Holiday portrait from her famed 'Strange Fruit' photo session

Vintage glossy 8 x 10.25 publicity portrait of Holiday by Robin Carson, signed and inscribed in white ink, "For Andy, Sincerely, Billie Holiday.” In very good to fine condition, with a few small creases and light surface impressions, and emulsion loss to two corners which could easily be matted out if so desired.

This famous portrait was one of several taken of Lady Day in a 1944 publicity shoot. The photographer, Robin Carson, after expressing to Holiday that he hadn't quite captured her 'essence,' suggested that she sing Strange Fruit. Holiday protested a bit, drank a glass of gin, and then sang the song a cappella. Greer Johnson, a friend of Holiday present at the shoot recalled it as 'one of the most fantastic performances I have ever heard in my life, and the camera never stopped.'

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: September
  • Dates: #535 - Ended September 12, 2018





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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