Published by Pi Xi Fraternity, Philadelphia, 1937
Seller: Locus Solus Rare Books (ABAA, ILAB), Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
Double sided handbill, 6 x 9 in., printed on both sides. Original advertising handbill promoting the event at Philadelphia's Alcazar Ballroom, Friday, April 30th (1937). A colorful flyer, featuring the caricature picture of the drummer-bandleader clad in a red tuxedo and swinging his sticks against a backdrop of flying musical notes. On the verso is "An Open Letter to the Dance Lovers of this City," touting the group as "America's Greatest Rhythm Band." After winning first prize at the famed Apollo Theatre's Amateur Night in 1934 at the age of seventeen, Ella Fitzgerald was soon introduced to Webb and joined his band the following year. By 1937 she had become a mainstay of the group, with her name being prominently highlighted in promotions. After Webb's early death in 1939, she carried on as leader of the band. An excellent evocation of the height of the Swing Era. Small stain at edge, otherwise fine and fresh.