“HE IS NEVER HAMPERED BY THE LYRICS IN IMPROVISING ON THE MELODY”: PUBLICITY PHOTO OF LOUIS “SATCHMO” ARMSTRONG SIGNED BY HIM, VELMA MIDDLETON AND BILLY KYLE

ARMSTRONG, Louis. Photograph signed. New York, Chicago, Hollywood: Associated Booking Corp. (Joe Glaser), circa 1953. Glossy brown-tone publicity photograph, measuring 8 by 10 inches. $1800.

Vintage Joe Glaser publicity photo of Louis Armstrong grinningly posed before his trophy mantle, boldly signed on the verso by Armstrong and two of the All-Stars, scat-singer Velma Middleton, and jazz pianist Billy Kyle.

In 1932, Satchmo hired Joe Glaser, an old friend, as his manager. In response to a decline in concert bookings and record sales in the 1940s, Glaser reacted by forming "Louis Armstrong and the All-Stars," a jazz sextet. In this new format, Armstrong made a comeback in 1947 with his infamous Town Hall concerts and appearance at Carnegie Hall. This handsome photograph produced by Glaser is signed by Armstrong and two of his great All-Stars, Velma Middleton and Billy Kyle (who joined in 1953).

Two small patches of surface loss to top margin (just touching image). Near-fine condition.