AUTOGRAPHS
compiled by Christopher Popa
As celebrities, big band musicians were frequently asked for their autographs, thereby providing a souvenir of having seen them in-person.
Many fans carried an autograph book to each dance they attended. Others might appropriate something from the venue, and have the leader sign, for example, a menu, table card, or even a napkin.
Sometimes, the public was invited to a formal autograph session held at the local record store, where
the label of a 78 or, later, the cover of an LP would typically be autographed. Similarly, after concerts, fans might be allowed to meet leaders backstage, and have their concert programs signed.
If requested and as the opportunity allowed, items were often inscribed to a specific individual or couple.
