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 Billie Holiday (1915-1959).
- Legendary Blues and
Jazz Singer
- Exceptionally Rare
Document Signed
- The Contract for
Billie Holiday's
- Final Performance
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- Billie Holiday (1915-1959). Legendary Blues and Jazz Singer, Member of the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000). Considered by her peers as
the most influential singer in the genre of all-time. Exceptionally
Rare Document Signed, the Contract for Billie Holiday's
Final Performance, one page, quarto, dated May 20, 1959, New
York City, being an American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)
Standard Form of Artists Engagement contract, for a one day concert
at the Phoenix Theatre on May 25, her last performance, for which
Holiday will be paid $350. A typed notation adds that "Billie
Holiday to Supply Pianist." Signed with a large ink signature:
"Billie Holiday", and countersigned by the operator
of the Phoenix Theatre.
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- Billie Holiday's final public performance
was at a benefit concert at the Phoenix Theatre in Greenwich
Village, New York City, on May 25, 1959. According to the masters
of ceremony at that performance, Leonard Feather (a renowned
jazz critic) and Steve Allen, she was only able to make it through
two songs, one of which was "Ain't Nobody's Business If
I Do." That concert was fifty-three days before she tragically
succumbed to drug and alcohol addiction on July 17.
Document shows normal aging and handling, folds, minor corner
bumps, overall very good. Accompanied with an 8 in. by 10 in.
black and white bust portrait of Holiday.
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- This exceptionally unique document would
be the cornerstone to any collection. Museum-quality, it serves
as a final testament and document's the tragic end to the legendary
jazz singer's career. Certainly one of the rarest pieces of Holiday
memorablilia to ever appear on the market. $6,500.00
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