Ella Fitzgerald, who would eventually become the world’s “First Lady of Song,” was only 21 years old when this 1938 window card was printed to advertise a concert by her then-boss, big band leader Chick Webb. Ella’s youth and inexperience landed her a spot at the very bottom of the poster, as Webb was very highly regarded in his day and was clearly the star. But he would pass away a year later, after which Ella began her ascent into individual stardom. The poster itself is a minor masterpiece of oranges, blacks and browns, with a striking rendition of Webb’s face dominating the graphics. Enthusiastically discussed by collector Pete Howard of PosterCentral.com (phone 805-540-0020, email pete@postercentral.com). To see more old, cool big-band concert posters, head on over to this page right here on my web site:
http://www.postercentral.com/bigbandvocalists.htm