Eleanor Powell Signed Photo – COA JSA

This item originates from the Louis Basil collection. In the mid-1950’s, Basil moved his family from Chicago to Las Vegas to become one of the city’s best orchestra leaders.  He orchestrated at many places with many headlining stars throughout the United States over many years. He performed in places like The Carman Theater in Philadelphia, Loew’s State Theater in New York, The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, The Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas and The Sahara Hotel Las Vegas. Basil obtained these autographed items in person and many were personalized to him or his family members.

Eleanor Powell was an American dancer and actress. Best remembered for her tap dance numbers in musical films in the 1930s and 1940s, Powell began studying ballet when she was six and was dancing at nightclubs in Atlantic City before she was a teenager. At the age of sixteen, she began studying tap and started appearing in musical revues on Broadway. She made her Hollywood debut as a featured dancer in the movie George White’s Scandals (1935).

Presented is an 5×7 black and white promotional photo autographed by Eleanor Powell. She signed the photo in blue ballpoint (“8”) with a lengthy inscription, “To Viki – Working with you has been a pleasure – good luck from your dancing friend.”

Authentication: JSA Basic Cert & Sticker