JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 282772

JIMMY DURANTE
B/w bust photo of Jimmy Durante in a suit and tie and inside a silhouette of his profile and his famous nose. Signed to Beverly Hills restaurant owner Joseph "Peppino" Micoli.
Inscribed photograph signed "To/Joe Peppino-/a pleasure/to do Business/with you/what Food/Saluta/Jimmy/Durante". B/w, 7¾x9¾ overall, 7½x9¼ image, one surface, printed on cardstock. Joseph "Peppino" Micoli was the owner of Peppino's Restaurant on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. Durante (1893-1980), born James Francis Durante and known to family, friends and fans as "The Schnozzola" 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." Durante was an active life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He often performed pro bono (the proceeds that would have been his pay went to the Children's Fund). All he asked in the way of pay was that people "Help Da Kids". Lightly toned, cracked, creased, bowed and rippled. Signature is lightly beaded and has low contrast in places, but is legible. Light nick at bottom edge. Rounded, creased and worn corners, with paper loss in bottom right corner. Otherwise in fine condition.