Fitzgerald, Ella. (1917–1996). Signed Photograph.
Signed ca. 1930's photograph of the legendary jazz singer, inscribed to her longtime pianist Lonnie Simmons. She has penned at the lower right: "Dig me kid / Hot stuff huh?/ Best wishes to you always Lonnie / Fondly / Sis Ella." Photographed by Bruno of New York, with studio credit hand-stamp to verso. Pinholes, some smudges to image and inscription; overall very good. 8 x 10 inches (20.5 x 25.4 cm).
The young Lonnie Simmons (born Samuel Simmons) started his career as a reed player, appearing on Fats Waller's "The Joint is Jumpin," but switched to keyboard instruments in the late 1930's. As a pianist, he appeared with Hot Lips Page and the Savoy Sultans, before joining the band formed by Ella Fitzgerald and conductor Dave Wallace. Simmons accompanied Fitzgerald until the early 1940's.
Fitzgerald, Ella. (1917–1996). Signed Photograph.
Signed ca. 1930's photograph of the legendary jazz singer, inscribed to her longtime pianist Lonnie Simmons. She has penned at the lower right: "Dig me kid / Hot stuff huh?/ Best wishes to you always Lonnie / Fondly / Sis Ella." Photographed by Bruno of New York, with studio credit hand-stamp to verso. Pinholes, some smudges to image and inscription; overall very good. 8 x 10 inches (20.5 x 25.4 cm).
The young Lonnie Simmons (born Samuel Simmons) started his career as a reed player, appearing on Fats Waller's "The Joint is Jumpin," but switched to keyboard instruments in the late 1930's. As a pianist, he appeared with Hot Lips Page and the Savoy Sultans, before joining the band formed by Ella Fitzgerald and conductor Dave Wallace. Simmons accompanied Fitzgerald until the early 1940's.