The Drifters, Peggy Lee, Billy Eckstine 1954 Wichita, KS Concert Poster. ...

Description

The Drifters, Peggy Lee, Billy Eckstine 1954 Wichita, KS Concert Poster. An original cardboard window card for the Fall Edition of the "Biggest Show of '54" traveling concert revue. This was an early precursor to the legendary Biggest Show of Stars caravan tours which commenced in 1956.

The headlining musicians were Billy Eckstine, Peggy Lee and the Drifters, all backed by Pete Rugolo and his Orchestra. Underbilled were the Slate Bros., George Kirby (the famous comedian-actor-blues singer), the Three Arnauts and Harold King. All performing in Wichita, Kansas on Wednesday, November 3, 1954. We've never seen this poster from another stop on the tour.

The Drifters were having an awesome year in 1954... how about five Top 10 R&B hits released that year: "Such a Night," "Lucille," "Honey Love," "Bip Bam" and, in December, "White Christmas." The biggest of those was "Honey Love," which spent two months in the #1 spot in Billboard. Chart-performance wise, the Drifters wipe everyone else off the poster, although Billy and Peggy had been churning out lots of charters and hits since the mid-40's.

Measures 14 1/8" x 22 and grades to Very Good condition with repair/restoration along the left side, loss/bumping in the corners, toning, and scuffing. COA from Heritage Auctions.

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