SUPER RARE 10X8 Sepia glossy vintage Decca Recording Artists photograph for Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra. Signed in green fountain pen ink, "Sincerely, Jimmie Lunceford." Some corner creasing, otherwise excellent.

(1902-1947) James Melvin Lunceford was an American jazz alto saxophonist and bandleader in the swing era. After playing McElroy's Ballroom in Portland, Lunceford and his orchestra were in Seaside, Oregon, to play at The Bungalow dance hall on July 12, 1947. Before the performance, Lunceford collapsed during an autograph session at a local record store. He died while being taken by ambulance to the Seaside hospital. Lunceford was 45. Dr Alton Alderman performed an autopsy in nearby Astoria, Oregon, and concluded that Lunceford died of coronary occlusion. Lunceford had complained about an aching leg as they arrived in Seaside, had been suffering from high blood pressure for a while, and had recently complained about not feeling well. Allegations and rumors circulated that he had been poisoned by a restaurant owner, who was unhappy at having to serve a "Negro" in his establishment. He was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis.

Comes with a full Letter of Authenticity from Todd Mueller Authentics.