JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 254989

JIMMY DURANTE
Sepia tone publicity photograph of Jimmy Durante wearing a tie.
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Murray -/Hot Cha/Jimmy Durante". Sepia tone, 10x8. Jimmy Durante (1893-1980), known to family, friends and fans as "The Schnozzola", "Schnozzle" or simply "the Schnoz" because of his Cyrano-sized nose, began his career as a piano player on the Lower East Side of New York City. He and his partners, dancers Eddie Jackson and Lou Clayton, had become overnight sensations on vaudeville, and Durante later lent his talents to films, radio and television as well as being a popular performer in nightclubs and on stage. His act included telling jokes, playing the piano and singing in his raspy voice. Two of his most popular songs were "Inka Dinka Doo" and "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?", and Durante was also well known for his trademark sign off line, "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are." An active life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, he often performed pro bono with the proceeds that would have been his pay, going to the Children's Fund. All he asked in the way of pay was that people, "Help Da Kids". Creased and soiled at blank margins, chipped at upper left edge, lower left blank corner chipped away. ½-inch tear at lower blank margin. Minor surface creases (most not evident head on). Collector's stamp on verso, which is lightly soiled and stained (no show through). Most defects can be eliminated by matting.