Presented here is a signed contract between Duke Ellington and the vocalist Al Hibbler. This contract was signed in 1946, well into Ellington’s career as a world famous musician. Hibbler had already performed with Ellington for a number of years, and would remain in Ellington’s band until 1951. This contract paid Hibbler $150 a week, and kept him under contract for five years. Hibbler, who was blind and never learned to write, signed his name on the contract with an “X”. Ellington signed the contract as well. The contract is 12 pages long, with Ellington and Hibbler signing the final page in black pen. This contract also comes with an 8 x 10 promotional photo of Hibbler. This item comes with a LOA from University Archives.

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