Hot Jazz, Pop Jazz, Hokum & Hilarity: Jelly Roll Morton
Graphic Design / Commercial Art - Vinyl Record Sleeve and 12-inch Long Play (LP) Record • Published by RCA Victor (Vintage Series LPV-524). Photography and graphic design credited to the RCA Victor creative department.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design with late 1960s 'Psychedelic' typographic influence.
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography on cardstock (cover); pressed vinyl with printed paper labels (record). Features monochrome photography and psychedelic-influenced typography.
Creation Period
circa 1966 (Vintage Reissue Period)
Dimensions & Format
12.375 x 12.375 inches; Square format (Standard LP Jacket)
Subject Description
The cover features a black and white high-contrast photograph of wine bottles in a wooden rack, overlaid with a magenta rectangular text box. The typography uses stylized, bulbous 'Art Nouveau' inspired fonts popular in the mid-1960s. The record label is the classic RCA 'Nipper' the dog logo in silver on a plum/purple background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The jacket shows minor corner wear and slight edge 'rubbing.' The vinyl surface appears clean with no deep gouges, though light surface noise is expected for its age.
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD (typically sold via online marketplaces rather than fine art auctions)
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial recording. Likely acquired via retail distribution and held in private collections. 'LPV-524' indicates it is part of the RCA Victor 'Vintage Series' curated by Mike Lipskin.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a mid-1960s archival preservation effort to reintroduce 1920s jazz pioneers like Jelly Roll Morton to a new generation. It represents the visual transition from formal 1950s design to the more experimental aesthetics of the late 60s.
Notable Features
Includes rare tracks and 'hokum' (humorous) recordings by Jelly Roll Morton. Characterized by the distinct purple RCA 'Vintage Series' label and the juxtaposition of still-life photography with eccentric typography.
Condition Issues
Visible shelf wear on the bottom edge of the sleeve. Minor spindle marks around the center hole of the vinyl. Potential ring wear starting to form on the dark areas of the cover.
Conservation Recommendations
Storage in an acid-free poly outer sleeve and an archival paper/poly inner sleeve. Keep away from direct sunlight and high-heat environments to prevent warping.