Louis Jordan, Art Blakey/Jazz Messengers 1959 Chicago Concert Poster....

Description

Louis Jordan, Art Blakey/Jazz Messengers 1959 Chicago Concert Poster. An original cardboard window card advertising a 10-day stand by each of two major talents in their field, at McKie's nightclub in Chicago, IL. First up was drummer and bandleader Art Blakey and his recently formed Jazz Messengers, featuring Lee Morgan on trumpet. Following that was R&B/jump blues legend Louis Jordan and his Tympany 5 Show, also for 10 days. It's terrific that this dates from the 1950's, because most of these Chicago boards from other musicians are from the 60's. Measures 17" x 26" and grades to Very Good Plus condition. COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: Louis Jordan, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was nicknamed "The King of the Jukebox" for his long and successful string of fun R&B and jump blues hits. He was active from the early 30's into the mid-70's, with his sweet spot being the 1940's.

Jordan almost had more hits than you can count, but amongst his #1 records were "What's the Use of Getting Sober (When You Gonna Get Drunk Again)," "Caldonia," "Stone Cold Dead in the Market," "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie," "Ain't That Just Like a Woman," "Jack, You're Dead" and, perhaps most famous of all, "Saturday Night Fish Fry" and "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens."

Art Blakey was a highly influential jazz drummer and bandleader, becoming a household name in the 1940's while working with Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie in the new bebop format. In the mid-50's he formed the Jazz Messengers with pianist Horace Silver, and hard-bop trumpeter Lee Morgan soon joined them. It's extra poignant to have Morgan singled out on this poster because he died prematurely when his wife shot and killed him in a bar in 1972 at the age of 33.

You can hear exactly what Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Morgan sounded like at this moment because in 1981, Blue Note Records released Africaine, a live recording from November 10, 1959... just 10 days after this poster's engagement ended.

Condition details: Upper left corner suffered a whack which caused three diagonal creases of 3", 1 ½" and 1", but nothing goes into the green lettering. The corner's tip has a couple of tiny tears as well. Upper right corner also had a ding, whereas the bottom two corners are barely touched. Light-brown foxing spots for a few inches only on the very edge in the lower right.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.