JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - CONTRACT SIGNED 11/1952 - HFSID 178183

JIMMY DURANTE
Jimmy Durante signs a document with Simon and Schuster, Inc. to license the rights to "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and "Santa Clause Is Coming to Town".
Carbon Typed Document Signed: "Jimmy Durante" in ink under "Approved and Accepted", 2p, 8½x11, separate sheets. New York, New York, 1952 November no day. On letterhead of the Simon Schuster, Inc. to Durante. In letter form regarding licensing rights to "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and "Santa Clause Is Coming to Town". Jimmy Durante (1893-1980), 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". On thin paper. Lightly creased with folds. File holes and staple holes at upper blank margins. Overall, fine and interesting.