Rare Jordan Autograph Signings (1980's) - A Comprehensive History
For as long as I can remember, it’s been reported that Jordan only did 1 public autograph signing back in the 1980’s, at a mall in Chicago. This “fact” has been on major auction house listings and has been generally accepted by most MJ collectors I have come across. So I wanted to set the record straight as I have come across numerous references and information that show that although the public signings Jordan did were rare indeed, he definitely did more than 1.
I feel pretty comfortable with the evidence I’ve been able to compile, both anecdotally and with definitive proof in some cases. I’d say he did at least 6 public signings, detailed below, with the possibility of more being done during the first couple of years in the NBA.
1. Montgomery Ward’s Public Signing - 1984 - From what I gather, this was generally considered his “only” public signing for years. There is photo evidence of this signing from an auction house listing, with the polaroid showing Jordan sitting for the signing. The backboard on the wall, the Air Jordan jumpsuit he is wearing and the Montgomery Ward on the wall match the other photo I’ve included here with him holding a Wilson Basketball. I’m relatively certain this was a promo signing for Wilson during this time and I am not positive, but I think this was in Chicago. Verified and Proven Public Signing (Click to Enlarge Photos)
2. Randhurst Shopping Center - Mount Prospect, IL - June 15, 1985 - This signing was featured in another auction listing and included a signed photo and a newspaper article detailing the signing. In addition, the hard to see photo in the newspaper article shows Jordan wearing a striped cardigan or sweater of some sort, differentiating this signing from others where we only have photo evidence. Verified and Proven Public Signing (Click to Enlarge Photos)
3. Aurora Mall - Colorado - October 31, 1984 - Another signing that was advertised in a newspaper, this ad was recently posted with a signed sporting news that was for sale and obtained at the signing. Verified and Proven Public Signing
4. Charlotte Signing - Charlotte, NC - I have not been able to find any newspaper ads or reports for this signing (***UPDATE (7/8/24): Someone has shared with me the actual Newspaper Ad CONFIRMING this signing! And it was in 1986, as I had estimated! Photo included below***) however, I have read a couple of accounts about it and feel confident this was a 4th public signing. Supposedly, Jordan did a public signing during his injury recovery during his 2nd year when he was rehabbing in Chapel Hill. During this time, I've heard he did a public signing at a mall in Charlotte. Where the story gets a little more real is that I read an account that said there were a large number of people that brought the UNC Commemorative Championship Books and the March to the Top Books that both had multiple Jordan photos in them and were Tar Heel fan collectibles for the 1982 Championship. When these people got up to Jordan, they were asking him to sign in multiple locations within the book on the interior book page and by his photos inside the book. Because of this, they had to stop people getting those books signed and limit the signing. This is all important because I have seen (and included below) photo evidence of these books being autographed multiple times with inscriptions and in such a beautiful and perfect manner that they could have only been signed in a sit-down environment, most likely a signing. In addition, I purchased the Jordan poster pictured below from someone in the Charlotte area and I am convinced, again given the perfection of this signature, that this poster was autographed at this public signing.
UNC Championship Commorative Book and March to the Top photos courtesy of Cory Lowry.
5. Indianapolis Signing - Indianapolis, IN - Another probable signing that I don’t have any newspaper evidence for, but as I was communicating with an Ebay seller about a signed Jordan poster enlargement he had listed, he said it was signed at a public signing at a mall in Indy when he was a kid. He had this "A Star is Born" enlargement signed and inscribed with "My Very Best", as well as the 1986 fleer RC that he had previously sold. Given the details, the perfection of the autograph on a large piece and the time frame the signature dates to, I have no reason to doubt this sellers story.
6. NEW UPDATE (7/8/24) - Flight 23 Store Signing, 1990-91, Pineville, NC (Charlotte area) - I had heard a couple people tell of a signing that happened in the Charlotte area in the early 1990's but not enough people to confirm. But I've recently learned of another that described it in detail that matched another's account almost exactly, so I am sure it happened: "1990-91 at his flight 23 store here in CLT. Line was over a mile long. Ran outta time and gave peeps rain checks. A Friend worked at store. MJs brother Larry managed the store."
As you can see, there is newspaper evidence of 4 public signings and photo evidence of 4 public signings based on Jordan's outfits if you see the pictures at the bottom of this page, as well. Now, there are a couple of the public signing photos that could be overlap with one of the above signings OR they could potentially be additional signings. Regardless, it’s interesting to know that Jordan did do a number of public signings for promotional events around the country during his early years in the NBA. And finding items that were signed at these events are going to be the most detailed and beautiful signatures you’ll find.
In addition, I have anecdotal evidence that Jordan did some signings at a car show or a few, plus some car dealer appearances through his Chevy partnership.
Additional photo evidence of public signings. Not sure exactly which signing location these were from, so they could be associated with one of the above or be totally different signings.
