Description
1947 JAZZ GREATS: TRUMPETER ERSKINE HAWKINS, PIANIST ACE HARRIS, AND VOCALIST LAURA WASHINGTON ALL ON HAND-SIGNED ALBUM PAGE
Erskine Ramsay Hawkins (1914-93) Signed, "Erskine Hawkins 1/8/47", by the American trumpeter and big band leader from Birmingham, Alabama, dubbed "The 20th Century Gabriel". He is most remembered for composing the jazz standard "Tuxedo Junction" with saxophonist and arranger Bill Johnson. Also signed by "Ace Harris, Pianist" and "Laura Washington, vocalist".
Asa "Ace" Harris (1910 – 1964) Signed, "Ace Harris, Pianist", by the American jazz pianist. In 1940 Harris became Pianist for Bill Kenny & The Ink Spots and can be heard playing Piano with The Ink Spots on many Top 10 Pop hits. In 1944, Harris recorded with Hot Lips Page, then joined the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, with whom he recorded several times. He played with Hawkins until 1947, and returned to play with him again in 1950–51.
Laura Washington (1926-90) Signed, "Laura Washington, vocalist", by the smoky-voiced jazz vocalist who sang with Erskine Hawkins' orchestra on Broadway in the 1940s and made the hit record "I've Got A Right To Cry". Washington left her career in the 1950s to return to Birmingham and raise a family. She returned in the 1980s to perform weekends at a downtown club, Grundy's. "Musicians who remembered her from the old days were astounded to find out she still had that voice, even in her 60s her voice was like an instrument. It was a gift."
All three 1940's jazz performers have signed the same 5.5 x 4.5 album page. In fine condition.
$150 #11964
