Cotton Pickin'

 

Since we are unlikely ever to be able to find the $3 400 the vendor of this programme for The Cotton Club requires, we are grateful that so many photographs of the item were supplied with the listing at this well-known Internet auction house. The vendor's description is as follows:

1937 Cotton Club Parade Program 25¢ – Signed by Duke Ellington – Beckett Authenticated – 12” x 9”

This is an original 1937 Cotton Club Parade program, signed by Duke Ellington and authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). A rare and historic artifact, this 16-page program (12” x 9”) comes from the Cotton Club’s Broadway & 48th Street era, when the venue was at its peak as the premier stage for jazz and Black entertainment.

Historical Significance

This program is from the second edition of the 1937 Cotton Club Parade revue, which ran from March 14 to June 13, 1937. It captures the height of the Big Band & Swing era, featuring performances by:

• Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra – One of jazz’s greatest composers.
• Ethel Waters – Trailblazing singer and actress.
• The Nicholas Brothers – Legendary tap-dancing duo.
• George Dewey Washington & Ivy Anderson – Celebrated vocalists.

Features & Highlights

• Authentic Duke Ellington Signature – Professionally authenticated by Beckett (#AC66524) and has the sticker and a COA.
• Striking Art Deco Cover – A stunning illustration reflecting the energy of the jazz age.
• Full-Page Portraits & Biographies – Featuring Ellington, Waters, the Nicholas Brothers, and more.
• Cotton Club Girls Photography – Glamorous images by James J. Kriegman, capturing the club’s famous showgirls.
• Complete Show Program – Includes legendary performances such as:
  • “Cotton Club Express” by Duke Ellington
  • “Taps Is Tops” by Harold Nicholas
  • “Peckin’” – A new dance craze introduced in this revue
• Press Reviews & Famous Guests – Includes glowing reviews and a list of notable Hollywood and Broadway attendees.

Condition & Collectability

• Size: 12” x 9”
• Pages: 16 (unnumbered)
• Illustrations: 11 high-quality photos of entertainers and performances.
• Condition: Folded in half long way at some point, top right corners has a crease, so do a few pages. No tears. Minimal wear along outer edges. No other marks besides autograph. (Sorry for page glare from the light in some photos)
• Authentication: Duke Ellington’s signature has been verified by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).

This is a rare, museum-worthy piece of jazz and entertainment history, offering a direct connection to Duke Ellington, the Harlem Renaissance, and the golden era of swing music.