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Lot #421
Charlie Parker

‘The Bird’ poses for a souvenir photo from the Royal Roost…and foots the bill

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Description

‘The Bird’ poses for a souvenir photo from the Royal Roost…and foots the bill

Considered one of the most influential jazz musicians ever, Parker and Dizzy Gillespie helped develop Bebop as a reaction against the prevalent swing music of the period. His personal life was not as successful—plagued by troubles which included drugs and alcohol and suicide attempts. Vintage glossy 9 x 7 photo of Parker sitting at a table with a couple, still housed in its original 10.25 x 9.25 souvenir folder, signed and inscribed in fountain pen on the mat of the folder, “To Norm & Marg, Luck!—Charlie Parker.” Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 28.25 x 15.25. Some scattered light creases to photo, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a 2012 letter of provenance from the nephew of the original recipients, which reads, in part: “At the time, my uncle had just gotten out of the Navy, was courting my aunt and took her on a date to see Charlie Parker. In his effort to impress and woo my aunt, he made sure they had a front row table for ‘the Bird’ who they were fans of. The story goes according to my late father, Mr. Parker took a great liking to my uncle and aunt and spent his time between sets at their table, ‘kibbitzing.’ My uncle didn't really have a whole lot of money (just being out of the Navy). Mr. Parker hailed the photographer and asked him to take that picture. Charlie Parker reached in his pocket, proceeded to count dollars, paid, and tipped the house photographer handsomely for his services. He then signed and personalized/autographed the photo for my aunt and uncle.” Signed images of Parker, no matter what size, are always scarce and desirable, and the uniqueness of the photo further enhance that desirability. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music
  • Dates: #403 - Ended February 21, 2013





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