Authenticity is Everything

Billie Holiday Autograph

I purchased this 78 vinyl record purportedly signed by Billie Holiday from an RACC trusted seller. I recently submitted the item to JSA for authentication, and unfortunately it did not pass.

I originally submitted it in person at a show here in CA a few weeks ago, and I was disappointed by how carelessly the item was handled during intake. When I received it back, there were fingerprints all over it. I contacted JSA immediately to report the condition, and they did expedite the review process.

Yesterday I received their letter confirming that the autograph did not pass authentication. I’m extremely disappointed and unsure what my next step should be, or if anyone here might be able to offer advice.

Prior to purchasing the item, I did my research and examined the signature characteristics—such as the looping of “Billie” and the shape of the “H” in “Holiday.” However, upon further inspection, the signature appears to have been written in ballpoint pen. Additionally, the Blue Ace label is known to be a bootleg label, and this particular pressing seems to have been released slightly before the time of her passing.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo 7 hours ago

This 78 is older than I thought it seems.

"Some Other Spring" was recorded on July 5th, 1939

"I'm In A Lowdown Groove" was recorded on May 9th, 1941

The original 1940's Okeh 78s are somewhat common; the Blue Ace 227 May 1950 reissue is much rarer because it was produced in small quantities for a niche market. Theses were made in NY and sold through the mail by The Hot Jazz Club of America though December 1951.

It appears Holiday played The Continental in January/February of 1950. The 78 was released in May 1950 but supposedly signed at The Continental, 3 months before the 78's release?

The pen would have been varnished based at that time, and prone to skipping. This ink looks fresh from here.