GENE AUSTIN - INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH SIGNED - HFSID 67405

 

GENE AUSTIN
Inscribed 8x10 photo, in suit and tie
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Joan/from/Gene Austin". B/w, 8x10. American singer, songwriter and pianist Gene Austin (1900-1972), one of the first "crooners," ran away from home and joined a vaudeville act at age 15. After military service in France and Mexico during World War I, he became one of the nation's most popular voices of the 1920s, selling 80 million records (a total unmatched by any artist for 40 years). He wrote the popular standards "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street" and "Why Do You Do Me Like You Do?" Hit songs he didn't write but turned into big hits included "Bye Bye Blackbird" and "My Blue Heaven." The latter record from 1928 sold over 5 million copies, a total unmatched until Bing Crosby's "White Christmas." Four large puncture holes, two in face, two just below chin. Tack holes at lower corners and left margin. Creased and worn at corners. Soiled and ink stamp on verso.