MABON, Willie [signed].

Description

Chateauvallon, Ollioules December 1967 concert poster

Original first printing vintage concert poster advertising American R&B singer, songwriter and pianist Willie Mabon (1925—1985) at the Chateauvallon in Ollioules [France] on Saturday, 9th December, 1967, presented by Jazz Mediterranee. In the early 1950s, Willie Mabon was at the forefront of the Chicago blues scene, with massive hit records such as “I Don’t Know” (1952) and “I’m Mad” (1953), on the Chess label. After a quiet spell, his career was revitalised in the 1970s, when Jim Simpson’s American Blues Legends invited him to tour Europe. With his chunky, improvising piano style, he proved very popular, especially in France, and like Memphis Slim, bought a house in Paris in 1972. Living and recording on both sides of the Atlantic for the rest of his career, Mabon was a popular act in Europe, playing the Montreux Festival and touring widely until his untimely death. Mabon died in Paris after a long illness on 19th April, 1985, aged 59. The poster has been authentically signed “Best Wishes Willie Mabon” at the bottom center.

The poster measures 29.5 x 39.5 cm and is printed in red and black inks on thin, matte-coated paper stock (coated on front only). Printer’s imprint (Imprimerie Barberis, Toulon) to the bottom right corner. Tape marks to the corners and slight paper loss to the bottom right corner. Feel free to email us with any questions you may have concerning this item. Additional images of the poster available on request.