[Jazz] [Ellington, Duke. (1899-1974)] . Signed Photographs. Four original 8 x 10 publicity photos of Duke Ellington, Harry Carney, Jimmy Grissom and "Cat" Anderson. The band members' photos have original autographs, however Ellington's photo is NOT autographed. The photo of Anderson is simply signed. The photo of Carney reads "To Ron & Alice, Best Wishes, Harry Carney." The photo of Grissom reads "To Ron, Good Luck Always, Sincerely, Jimmy Grissom." Small bend in upper corners of the signed ones, else fine.


The "Ron" of the inscriptions was the previous owner's father and was in the ROTC at Ohio State. He had the audacity to suggest that they have Ellington play at the Military Ball that year. His suggestion was laughed off by most, but he was told by his commanding officer to make it happen. Remarkably, he pulled it off, and Ellington's appearance made the Ball a smashing success. Included with the photographs is the article that appeared in the Ohio State newspaper about Ellington's appearance at the Military Ball.