Fitzgerald, Ella. (1917–1996). Signed Photograph. Pristine vintage glossy black and white promotional photograph of the great singer, known as the “First Lady of Song,” widely regarded as one of the finest jazz vocalists of all time. Signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Paul / Best Wishes / Ella Fitzgerald.” In very fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.7 x 25.5 cm).
The photograph is a promotional image from the 1955 musical crime film Pete Kelly's Blues. Based on the 1951 radio series, it was directed by and starred Jack Webb in the title role of a bandleader and musician. Janet Leigh is featured as party girl Ivy Conrad, and Edmond O'Brien as a gangster who applies pressure to Kelly. Peggy Lee portrays alcoholic jazz singer Rose Hopkins (a performance for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role). Ella Fitzgerald makes a cameo as singer Maggie Jackson. Lee Marvin, Martin Milner, and Jayne Mansfield also make early career appearances.
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.
Fitzgerald, Ella. (1917–1996). Signed Photograph. Pristine vintage glossy black and white promotional photograph of the great singer, known as the “First Lady of Song,” widely regarded as one of the finest jazz vocalists of all time. Signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Paul / Best Wishes / Ella Fitzgerald.” In very fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.7 x 25.5 cm).
The photograph is a promotional image from the 1955 musical crime film Pete Kelly's Blues. Based on the 1951 radio series, it was directed by and starred Jack Webb in the title role of a bandleader and musician. Janet Leigh is featured as party girl Ivy Conrad, and Edmond O'Brien as a gangster who applies pressure to Kelly. Peggy Lee portrays alcoholic jazz singer Rose Hopkins (a performance for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role). Ella Fitzgerald makes a cameo as singer Maggie Jackson. Lee Marvin, Martin Milner, and Jayne Mansfield also make early career appearances.
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.