COUNT BASIE (1942) Autographed portrait

Np, 1942. Vintage original 10 x 8″ (25 x 20 cm) black-and-white photo, archivally matted. Fine.

“William James ‘Count’ Basie (1904-1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader and composer. In 1935 he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, creating innovations like the use of two ‘split’ tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, his minimalist piano style, and others.” (Wikipedia)

A remarkably early autographed portrait, signed “To Betty Parker who knows all the records and bands – Swingcerely, Count Basie 3-10-42”. Parker clearly was a jazz aficionado.