Holiday, Billie. (1915–1959) Autograph Signature on

Holiday, Billie. (1915–1959)

Autograph Signature on "Club Ebony" Flyer

Attractive vintage ink signature, "Billie Holiday,” on a large, graphically striking off-white 10.25 x 7.75 sheet promoting New York's Club Ebony on Broadway. Matted and framed to an overall size of 16 x 13.5. In fine condition.

Holiday performed at Club Ebony starting in 1948, at the invitation of the owner, John Levy. Coming back from her imprisonment and with public knowledge of her drug addiction hanging over her, Holiday had been unable to obtain a "cabaret card," a special permit for New York City nightclub performers. Levy offered to help her get the permit if she would perform at Club Ebony, and she entered into an initial four-week contract in May 1948. According to biographer Meg Greene, Holiday "worked hard to overcome her bad reputation: she showed up on time and performed every night. Her popularity was so great that she had to beg to leave the stage when she finished her set [...] Her success at the Ebony led to radio appearances and additional bookings at the Strand Theater, where she drew the largest crowds seen there in years." (Billie Holiday: A Biography p. 93.) (15386)

Signature Jazz