J. FRED COOTS - INSCRIBED SHEET MUSIC SIGNED 01/03/1976 - HFSID 207985

J. FRED COOTS
1959 copy of Love Me Fortissimo, signed "Sincerely" and dated by Coots in 1976
Inscribed sheet music signed "To Ronald Krugman/Sincerely/J. Fred Coots/Jan 3, 1976" in blue ink.B/w and violet,4 pages including covers, 9x12, 1 sheet folded front and verso. Words and music for Love Me Fortissimo, with lyrics by Bill Margaretten and music by J. Fred Coots for Plymouth Music Co., Inc., of New York City. ©1959Music and Talent Organization, Inc. of New York. In 1934, Coots (1897-1985, born in New York City) wrote the music and Haven Gillespie wrote the lyrics to Santa Claus is Coming To Town for Eddie Cantor to sing on his radio show. The song was an instant success, selling four million copies of sheet music and later inspiring an animated special featuring the voice of Fred Astaire. In 1998, Coots' holiday classic was ranked second on ASCAP's "Top 25 Holiday Season Songs", and the tune has been featured in numerous films. The prolific Coots wrote over 700 other songs during his career, including music for Broadway shows, Cotton Club revues (with lyricist Benny Davis) and Hollywood films. He had a hit in 1938 with You Go to My Head (also with Gillespie). The songwriter and vaudeville and nightclub performer was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972. Lightly toned, scuffed and creased. Lightly tears around edges. Folded thrice and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.