BILLY STEWART & CALVIN RUFFIN R&B TREASURE SIGNED BY LEGENDARY MICHAEL A GRAHAM

$

75

CALVIN "HOUND DOG" RUFFIN (ONE SIDE)
BILLY STEWART (OTHER SIDE)
with THE MICHAEL GRAHAM CRACKERS
RARE SIGNATURE OF R&B PILLAR MICHAEL ANGELO GRAHAM 
"TELL IT LIKE IT TEE I TIS" (RUFFIN)"
b/w
"I WANT A SWEET LITTLE GIRL" (STEWART)
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT LABEL MAG 103 (D.C.)
RARE 45
LISTEN!

BACKGROUND:
After extensive searching for MORE about this 45, an internet blog called ”thatsallrightmama” shed some light as to the history and the signature on the label.  Here is the verbatim paste from the blog:

“This record was perhaps intended to be issued on Bale Records, a tiny Washington label owned by Bea Tibbitts (Betsy B. Tibbs).  It showcases two artists probably managed at the time by Michael Graham, artists who had already recorded several singles (on Chess/Argo and Okeh for Billy Stewart, on Josie (as Frank Motley band vocalist) and Golden Crest for Calvin Ruffin).

A native of Savannah, Ga., Michael Angelo Graham started as an entertainer and was" nationally known in theatrical circles" as "Georgia's Glamour Boy".  He came to the nation's capital in the late 1940s, working in night clubs and also touring with his Washingtonians and then with his Graham Crackers.   Both groups featured blues and scat singer Nudie Williams who recorded for Wheeler Records, a New York label, in the early fifties.

Michael Graham worked with various singers and doowop groups and helped launch the careers of Van Allen McCoy, Marvin Gaye, the Clovers, Johnny Hartman, Don Covay, and Billy Stewart. 

Master of ceremonies at the old Howard Theater, he also promoted a number of musicals and a variety of shows in Washington (Graham Crackers and Oldies But Goodies, a TV program that featured The Clovers, The Jewels, and Sonny Till and The Orioles).   

Graham joined The New Observer, Washington D.C.'s oldest Black-owned community newspapers in 1956, worked his way up from a reporter to editor-in-chief.”

He died in 1985, aged 72.

The seller is listing singles from a large collection of mostly Northern Soul, DOO-WOP and Garage Rock 45's.   The records were all cared for and are not dirty or excessively scratched.  Any that did not pass a visual inspection were eliminated.  On some of the labels you might see sticker residue but for the most part the labels are clean.  Most of the records have strong clean vinyl.   Please rely on the photos for condition questions about the labels.   The buyer should assume that there will be some light popping and scratching on many of these.  Sound clips are being attached as well for confirmation of the audio quality. 

Any highly notable imperfections--other than the usual ones mentioned above--will be noted below with each listing.   

THIS IS BEING LISTED BASED UPON ITS RARITY MORE THAN ITS QUALITY
Here are the notable condition issues with this special 45. 

First--The Labels. 
The photos will show the condition of both sides.  The signed (Michael A. Graham)Ruffin side is better than the flip.  Note the wear on both sides.  This treasured 45 is rarely seen in ANY condition so bear that in mind as you view.

Second--The Audio. 
Obviously old and rare, the quality is fair.  The photos confirm the wear and the audio will confirm both sides.  There is obvious noise and pops, of course, with the Stewart side playing a little better than the flip.  Certainly this record has been played and handled through the years since the early 50's.  We always provide actual audio from the exact record being listed so your ears can be the judge as you listen.  To the ears of the seller there might be some skips on one side but the production variations makes it difficult to discern.   This one rarely makes it to Ebay so move quickly if you're in search of this 45 gem.

Practices and Policies:
Most records are visually inspected and then the worthy ones are washed and cleaned.  Higher valued records will include audio samples of the exact record being listed.  Our photos are also original ones of the exact item.

We describe condition and version to the best of our ability but the seller is not a records grading expert so please inquire in advance for additional details or concerns concerning quality or version of a particular record.  We do not always listen or grade but we do offer as much visible information as possible. We always take multiple clear, close photos and invite questions about quality or version of an item in advance of bidding. 

Please await our invoice prior to payment.  This is particularly important with international purchases as the value of the final price effects the method of shipment.  See below.

Our refund policy is based on total buyer satisfaction so we only refund full payment upon return.  We do not offer post purchase partial refunds. 

INTERNATIONAL
International Records with values higher than $100 require USPS Priority shipping.  While this results in higher fees for our international buyers, there is no other way to track and guarantee delivery.  Recent negative experiences with Customs in multiple countries have required this policy change. 

A reminder we always comply with Ebay and Customs official policy and code the "value" slot of the Customs Form with the actual purchase price .   Also please note that the USPS 1st International shipping includes a Customs Tracking number.  Recently that number has not been posting on the website with records we have shipped overseas.  Upon contacting the local post office, they were able to confirm all of our shipments had been processed and mailed through their computers but the standard, and previously reliable Customs Tracking number (Usually an LC number) has been missing and inconsistent.  This is probably temporary but we did want our international customers to know that we will continue posting those numbers but do not be alarmed if they are not trackable.  In the rare instance of a missing record, USPS can provide status with a phone call placed to them.

This is one of many records being listed so please review the seller's other items for the possibility of combined shipping.  We pack and ship worldwide with the highest level of care and speed.  USPS Media Mail is the default mode for domestic purchases.  We do now include tracking information on all shipments without exception.  USPS 1st Class International is the default method for our international buyers but feel free to request upgrades prior to invoicing please.  __________________________________________________________