Chick Webb Signed Window Display Card Also Signed by Ella Fitzgerald....

Description

Chick Webb Signed Window Display Card Also Signed by Ella Fitzgerald.. Chick Webb had the house band at New York's famous Savoy Ballroom from 1931-1935. His all-star aggregation was one of the most swinging, hard driving ensembles in the history of jazz. Each and every band that would come to town wanted to head right over to the Savoy to hear Chick's group. Some of these bands would even dare to challenge the Webb ensemble to a "cutting contest." The challenging band would set up opposite Chick's group, and the battle would be on! One band would play their best arrangement; then the other would try to outdo them. This would go on for hours through the night, and it was the best ticket in town to witness one of these contests. The competition was always fierce, but usually Chick Webb's band would prevail. No one, but no one, ever out-swung Chick Webb! In 1934, Chick hired a young vocalist named Ella Fitzgerald. Since she was an orphan, there was a legal problem taking the 17-year-old singer out on the road. Chick and Mrs. Webb solved that dilemma by adopting Ella as their daughter. After Ella recorded A-Tisket, A-Tasket with the band, she immediately became a sensation. In 1939, Webb died from tuberculosis of the spine. He was only 30 years old, and his last words to his mother were, "I'm sorry. I gotta go." Ella tried earnestly to keep the band together and for the next two years, she succeeded. By 1942, Ella Fitzgerald was a solo star, but, unfortunately the Chick Webb orchestra was disbanded. Without Chick at the drums, the band just didn't have the same magic. This 13" x 16" Window Display Card is done in rich orange, black, white, and gray graphics heralding "Chick Webb and his N.B.C. Orchestra featuring Ella Fitzgerald." The leader has signed "Chick Webb" in blue fountain pen on the W block lettering of his name. Ella has signed and inscribed "Sincere Wishes Ella Fitzgerald" on the E block lettering of Webb's name. Pinholes on the corners and frayed areas on the bottom right and left corners are the only defects on this card. An excessively rare piece of memorabilia signed by two of the greatest stars in the history of jazz! Accompanied by COA from Jazz & Big Band expert Larry Rafferty.

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