JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/19/1952 - HFSID 269044

JIMMY DURANTE
Jimmy Durante sends a typed letter of thanks for the lyrics but he will not be able to use them.
Typed Letter signed: "Jimmy Durante", 1p, 8½x11. Hollywood, California, 1952 January 19. To Maurice F. Lyons, Cincinnati, Ohio. In full: "Thanks a million for your letter and for sending the lyrics on to me, but as we have a staff of song writers working for us week after week, we don't accept any outside songs. That's in the boys' contract! I'm sorry - but I want to send my very best wishes to you and yours, Sincerely." Accompanied by an unsigned carbon of a letter from Lyons, dated 1951 December 1, sending lyrics (not included) to Durante. 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". Lightly creased. Slightly soiled. ¼-inch paper separation at right edge of upper fold. Otherwise, fine condition.