Billy Eckstine Souvenir Program (Portrait of Billy Eckstine)
Ephemera (Souvenir Concert Program / Promotional Booklet) • Photographer unidentified (likely a studio publicity portrait); Graphic design by studio house artists.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Mid-Century Jazz Age Graphic Design.
Medium & Technique
Lithographed offset print on paper; high-key black and white photography reproduction with solid color block typography.
Creation Period
Circa late 1940s to mid-1950s.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A commercial portrait of the American jazz and pop singer Billy Eckstine. He is depicted wearing a textured tweed jacket, a high-collared shirt with a distinctive tie, and a pocket square. He is smiling warmly in a three-quarter view, characteristic of Hollywood-style publicity shots of the era.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of age-related wear particularly at the edges and corners.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $120 USD (dependent on completeness and interior condition).
Auction Estimate
$30 - $75 USD.
Provenance History
Likely acquired at a live performance or through a fan club during the peak of Eckstine's career. Private collection.
Art Historical Significance
Billy Eckstine was a barrier-breaking African American singer and bandleader during the Bebop and romantic ballad era. This program represents the visual marketing and 'matinee idol' branding used to promote Black artists to a crossover audience in the mid-20th century.
Notable Features
Features the 'Mr. B' collar (Eckstine was famous for his high-collared shirts) and bold, stylized typography in the red banner section, typical of 1950s entertainment branding.
Condition Issues
Visible corner bumping, minor creasing at the spine, slight yellowing/foxing on the white border of the photograph, and small stress tears along the edge of the paper.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be stored in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve with a backing board. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the red ink and yellowing of the paper.