537 pp. Illustrated from photographs. (4to), original purple cloth, illustrated dust jacket. Second Printing.
A comprehensive study of over four hundred of the Big Bands in the 1930's and 1940's, with brief biographies of the band leaders and their vocalists. This copy is signed by the author, and signed and inscribed by hundreds of major big band and jazz musicians and vocalists throughout the book. The autographs and inscriptions were collected over a period of time, and many are dedicated to a Sally (and sometimes Joe) Bertino. Inscriptions are occasionally dated, generally from the 1970's-1980's. Approximately 250 signatures in all. A truly unique volume.
Autographs include: Les Brown, Kenny Burrell, Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, Rosemary Clooney, James Cotton, Bob Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Bob Haggart, Lionel Hampton, Herbie Hancock, Jake Hanna, Gene Harris, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Milt Jackson, Herb Jefferies, Etta Jones, Carmen McRae, Red Norvio, Anita O'Day, Johnny Otis, Lou Rawls, Alvino Rey and the King Sisters, Artie Shaw, Jabbo Smith, Jess Stacy, Kay Starr, Norma Teagarden, Lawrence Welk, Sarah Vaughan, and many more throughout.
Condition:
Fair amount of wear and soiling to jacket with creasing, chips and tears to edges, numerous tape repairs; wear and areas of faint staining to cloth; rear hinge cracked and spine loosening, staining to top edge; interior sound; good.