1959 Sam Cooke & Jackie Wilson Concert Poster – 22x28
Description
This is an original concert poster from June 10, 1959, advertising a historic R&B showcase at Chattanooga’s Memorial Auditorium. The poster highlights legendary headliners Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, alongside a celebrated lineup including Hank Ballard & The Midnighters, Marv Johnson, the Falcons, Jessie Belvin, Baby Washington, and others. Measuring 22 by 28.125 inches, the poster employs a vivid, multi-color design with bold artist photos and graphics typical of mid-century Globe Posters. Showing general wear from age—including creasing, tears, and minor ink bleeding—this artifact provides a visually compelling record of the golden era of R&B performance tours.
Significance
This concert poster documents a seminal moment in American music history, showcasing two of the most influential Black artists of the era on a single bill. Sam Cooke, hailed as the “King of Soul,” and Jackie Wilson, famed for his electrifying vocals and stage presence, together helped define the transition from gospel and R&B to mainstream pop. The poster not only serves as a testament to their pioneering artistry but also represents the broader integration of Black music into American popular culture during a crucial period for civil rights and social change. Such ephemera are exceptionally rare and highly sought after, as they capture the immediacy and energy of live performance at a time of tremendous innovation and cultural impact.
Key Notes
• Original 1959 concert poster for both Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson during their prime years.
• Features a supporting lineup of seminal R&B and early soul acts, evidencing the era’s star-studded touring circuits.
• Iconic Globe Posters design with bold color and photo cutouts, measuring 22 x 28.125 inches.
• Surviving specimens from this era are rare, adding both historical and market value.
• Provides a visual record of the music and social environment surrounding late 1950s R&B and the legacy of its greatest stars.
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