Yep, sometimes you are happy enough to just take your $300 million and go home, especially if you are almost 80. That's almost $500,000 per song, including the stinkers like "Joey" etc.
Gene Chandler did some great records in the early 60's, and that one is epic. It and "Stand By Me" hit me as hard as anything from the era. Agreed on the video, which I have never seen before. Not at all familiar with John(ny) Board, please enlighten us.
I'm a bigger fan than you of Black Jazz, especially the Doug & Jean Carn albums, but also several others. I have them all except for the Cleveland Eaton and the Gene Russell titles. Have never heard the Eaton. The Russell titles are pleasant but nothing meaningful.
I hear you, but "Kinda cool" isn't gonna justify a $299 price tag. I agree with you on never really getting into the label. Great historical/cultural interest, but musically not so much. I think the Marcus Belgrave is probably best of breed of what I've heard (which is probably close to the entire catalog if not all of it).
He died in June 1964 and my internet search says the album was not released until August 1964, so there would not have been time for anything concerning publishing or contract renewal, I don't think.