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Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
THOMAS B. ALLEN (1928-2004) Lester Young. Record album cover illustration for The Lester Young Story, Volume 1 (Columbia Records, 1976). Graphite on illustration board. 13 13/4 x 12 1/2 inches, matted and framed to 20 1/2 x 20 1/2 inches. Signed in lower right image.
The Lester Young Story was the first volume in a five-part series commemorating the legendary saxophone player. This volume features recordings from 1936-37, including performances with Teddy Wilson's orchestra (with Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday on vocals), The Jones-Smith Incorporated (with Count Basie on piano), and the Billie Holiday Orchestra.
Thomas B. Allen was an illustrator renowned for pushing the boundaries of commercial art in the 1950s and 60s. He was often associated with fellow illustration mavericks Robert Weaver and Robert Andrew Parker. Together, they challenged the saccharine atmosphere of the post-war magazine scene, preferring to observe the world and draw from life. Allen contributed to prestigious magazines such as The New Yorker, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated, and was also celebrated for his album covers for country and jazz musicians. Allen frequently attended recording sessions at CBS records, enabling him to hone his observation skills and produce work that felt "more authentic."
