Inscribed Photograph Signed by HORTON, Johnny (1925-60)

This country Western singer, guitarist and songwriter, whose style crossed over into rockabilly and honky tonk, exploded onto the music scene with several hit recordings such as "Honky-Tonk Man" and the Grammy Award-winning "Battle of New Orleans" in the late 1950s, but his career was cut short when he was killed in a car crash in Texas at age 35. IPS, 6½" X 6 3/4", n.p., n.y. Very good. Small tape stain at each corner and couple along right edge; small chip at upper left corner. Paper front (only) of the 45rpm record sleeve Horton's 1960 hit "Sink the Bismark" OR perhaps image of same from Columbia records promotional leaflet, largely a blue-printed photograph of this legendary battleship with Horton's circular-inset portrait at upper left. Just right of center, he inscribes and signs boldly in blue ballpoint: "Luck always / To 'Donald Burnell', / a real friend / Sincerely / Johnny Horton." Penned atop his large printed name (in white) and the Bismark image, thus decent but not superb contrast. This 1960 hit was one of Horton's last song released, dating this signing to shortly before his death on November 5th of that year. Unusual and attractive form of this very scarce autograph.