HILDEGARDE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 07/28/1957 - HFSID 29473

HILDEGARDE
The nightclub singer who revolutionized the industry wrote this letter from the Hotel Belmont thanking a fan for a telegram
Autograph Letter Signed: "Hildegard". One page. 7¼x10½, separate sheets. Chicago, Illinois, July 28, 1957. On letterhead of the Hotel Belmont to Mr. Seff. In full: "I am so sorry to be so tardy in thanking you for your 'Can-Can' - Telegram. I was indeed happy to receive it. I truly enjoyed the hectic two weeks in K.C. - and from all reports (customers) I did a good job - I hope Mr Berger thought so too! I do love doing 'Can-Can' and I hope I can play it again next summer. I hope this finds you very well and happy - Bless you! Sincerely". Handwritten postscript: "P.S. I would have to be in K.C. during their 2 hottest weeks!!". Richard Seff (born in 1927), was an agent with MCA Artists Ltd. in New York at the time of this letter. The actor turned Broadway agent later headed his own company, but returned to the stage and screen as a character actor. Hildegarde Loretta Sell (1906-2005) was popularly known by her last name only or simply as "The Incomparable Hildegarde". A classically trained pianist who played in vaudeville from 1926, she emerged as a popular singer in the 1930s and 1940s with hits that included "Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup" (written by her manager Anna Sosenko), "The Last Time I Saw Paris" and "I'll Be Seeing You". She also had a popular radio program, Hildegarde's Raleigh Room. The international stardom that Hildegarde achieved as a live cabaret singer is unparalleled. She was renowned around the world and, having never married, had many admirers. Some of her many showmanship innovations include wearing sleeves at every performance and going by only her first name. These unique calling cards, as well as her incredible voice and flirtatious manner, broke new ground on the evening club circuit. In 1961, she published her autobiography: Over 50…So What! Slightly soiled at lower margin of second sheet. Otherwise, fine condition.