Hank Williams 1947 Drifting Cowboys Tour-Blank Concert Poster. ...

Description

Hank Williams 1947 Drifting Cowboys Tour-Blank Concert Poster. An authentic vintage window card, now 75 years old, advertising the greatest country music artist who ever lived, Hank Williams, and his legendary backing band the Drifting Cowboys. "Writer and Singer of the Nationally Famous Hit Song 'Move It on Over,'" it proclaims across the top. In unused condition, without the venue information filled in at the bottom.

Hank Williams continues to deeply touch people and influence the worlds of music and the arts. In May 2021, his 1953 Canton, Ohio concert poster sold in this space for $150,000, at the time a world record for any concert poster ever sold at auction. (The Beatles Shea poster has since eclipsed it.) Measures 11" x 17" and grades to Very Good condition. COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: A veritable piece of Country music history, this piece was made on card stock, which has grown a bit brittle with age but only underscores its absolute authenticity.

This window card has often been described as being from 1949, but we're now placing it in 1947, based on new evaluation. "Move It on Over" was a hit in the summer of '47, and Hank had an equally big hit with "I'm a Long Gone Daddy" in the summer of 1948 and the monster hit "Lovesick Blues" in spring 1949, and neither one of those is mentioned on the poster. Plus, the wording at the top of the card seems to strongly suggest that "Move It on Over" was Hank's sole claim to fame so far.

In addition, the Cowboys went through line-up changes like any group does, and only "Uncle Lum" York remained in the band when Hank relocated from Montgomery, AL to Shreveport, LA in the summer of 1948 to fulfill his weekend commitment to the Louisiana Hayride. And the photo on the poster is from WSFA in Montgomery.

Veteran collector and dealer Wayne Rogers lived in Montgomery in the early 90's and was the one who discovered the printer's stash of these posters 30 years ago, and acquired some from the original printer's grandson. "One might surmise that neither Hank or Audrey picked up the poster order when they realized they would be obsolete," Rogers tells Heritage. "Hank would certainly have wanted to update the poster to include a mention something like ‘Stars of The Louisiana Hayride.'" Rogers even recalls that the grandson had the original print order, and while not dead certain, believes it was for 100 posters at a price of 10 cents apiece, and dated in 1947. But nowhere near that many have survived.

Condition details: Poster is quite toned, with extra toning around all four edges, as is typical. There's additional light foxing along the top margin toning and more near the bottom of the right edge. Upper left corner has small top missing, and lower right to an even tinier degree; the other two corners are just slightly rounded.


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.