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Early Billings Joe Koory Fratt Advertisment

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Early Billings Joe Koory Fratt Advertisment
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For your consideration is a wonderful advertising sign featuring Joe Koory of Billings, Montana. Joe Koory was a popular musician during the mid 1900’s. He was a self taught pianist and regular nightclub performer. Early in his career Joe lived in Los Angeles with his wife “Kay”. In the early 1950’s Joe came to Billing’s to visit one of Kay’s brothers who took them to the Elmo. At the Elmo Joe bet the owner he could outperform the band doing the floor show that night and ended up doing a nine week stand there. Throughout the 1950’s and 60’s Joe traveled around Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington performing. Billing’s became Joe’s home base in 1957. Joe and his wife Kay became business owners when they purchased the Hilltop nightclub and reopened it under the Beacon Club. The Beacon was one of the largest clubs in the state with a large dance floor and enough seats for 400 people. Dozens of local musicians frequented the club and they even accommodated some touring acts as well. The Koory’s in 1966 moved to a different location and opened the Bonanza. This stop was short lived as they sold it to investors in only a couple of years. Joe would frequently play his piano in between sets during his time as a club owner. Joe passed away in 1989 but left a legacy in the Billing’s area as a wonderful performer. This cardboard back poster features Joe’s likeness in a tuxedo and bowtie. Below the image is “Joe Koory – Singing at our Music Counter Now.” The poster is in fair condition and shows all original paint with some loss to the finish. The poster is also marked “Fratt”. This piece was informally appraised at over $5,000. Poster measures 47 ¾” x 27 ¾”.