FITZGERALD, Ella.

Description

Teatro Sistina, Rome January 1967 concert poster (Anon.)

Original first printing concert poster advertising the First Lady of Song, the great Ella Fitzgerald at the Teatro Sistina in Rome [Italy] on Monday, 16th January, 1967, presented by Norman Granz. For the European tour, Fitzgerald was accompanied by pianist Jimmy Jones (1918—1982), bassist Bob Cranshaw (1932—2016) and drummer Sam Woodyard (1925—1988). The late 1960s saw Fitzgerald’s recording career change greatly. After the sale of Verve records to MGM Records in 1961, Norman Granz continued to manage live performances, bookings and produce Ella Fitzgerald’s recordings for the label. Granz had semi-retired to Switzerland in 1960 and when Fitzgerald’s contract at Verve-MGM ended in 1967 he actively sought a new label. John Hammond of Columbia Records showed interest in signing Fitzgerald, as did Capitol Records and in September 1967 Granz signed Fitzgerald with Capitol Records. The four albums recorded at Capitol Records are the most diverse albums of Fitzgerald’s career. Brighten the Corner — a studio album produced by Dave Dexter Jr. was Ella’s debut on Capitol Records. The album peaked at #172 in the Billboard Hot 200 album charts, and marked a sharp change of direction for Fitzgerald, as Brighten the Corner saw Ella sing Christian hymns, reflecting her own spirituality, and eschewing the Great American Songbook standards on which she had previously concentrated. For what it’s worth, the classic Ella in Rome: The Birthday Concert was recorded at this very same theatre on 25th April, 1958.

Printed by Arti Grafische, Roma, with the printer’s imprint to the bottom left corner. The poster measures 33.6 x 69.8 cm (approx. 13.2 by 27.5 inches) and is printed in red, blue and black inks on thin, coated paper stock (coated on front only). Folded thrice, with a tack hole to each corner and a touch of light overall surface handling wear. Else in remarkably good condition considering its age. Feel free to email us with any questions you may have regarding this item. Additional images of the poster available on request.