GENE JOHNSTON - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 09/10/1933 - HFSID 222424

GENE JOHNSTON
The music publisher signs a typed 1933 letter to a reporter, touting a new song
Typed Letter signed: "Gene Johnston", 1 page, 8½x11. Los Angeles, California, 1933 September 10. On letterhead of Gene Johnston, Inc. to Jimmy Starr, Herald-Express, Los Angeles. In full: "Thanks for mentioning Martha Tilton at the Grove. As she is a protégé of mine I appreciate it immensely. Also I do not think it is out of line that you could mention THATA IS THATA again. You know Lippman is giving this song a terrific plug almost every night at the Grove and people are just beginning to talk about it. He puts it on the chain three or four times weekly. You could say, 'Have you heard Martha Tilton and Sid Lippman's band on the number THATA IS THATA? The rendition is perfect and THATA IS THATA!'  If the number continues to click as it has been we will publish this number in the next week or so, and I would like some sort of an expression from you whether you wish your name on the title page, regardless of this we will shortly issue a royalty agreement to you. Anything you can do on the above will be appreciated, Jimmie. Sincerely yours". Gene Johnston was a music publisher, shown in this letter aggressively promoting a new song to a reporter and promising benefits for promoting it. He wrote songs for a few films, including I'll Name the Murderer (1935), appearing in that film (uncredited) as an orchestra leader. Martha Tilton (1915-2006), known as "the Sweetheart of Swing" and "the Liltin' Miss Tilton" sang with several big bands, including Benny Goodman. Her biggest hit ("And the Angels Sing", 1939) was recorded with Goodman's Orchestra. Jimmy Starr (1904-1990)was a Hollywood columnist and screenwriter. Sid Lippman was an orchestra leader and songwriter. His best known composition is probably "A - You're Adorable," performed by Perry Como, Jo Stafford and others. Fold creases not at signature. Paper loss at right edge. Lightly creased at corners. Otherwise, fine condition.