JULES MASSENET Massenet handwrote, dated and signed this note with two bars of musical notation in Paris in 1887 Autograph musical quotation signed: "J. Massenet", in brown ink, 1p, 4½x7 (one sheet folded). To an unnamed recipient. In French, translated in full: "We will be there! Cou-nt on me!/ until Monday/ your affectionate/”. Paris, France, May 9, 1887. Massenet wrote two bars of music with lyrics (in French, not translated) on this note above his signature. French composer Jules Massenet (1842-1912) made his name with the comic opera Don César de Bazan (1872). Other operas followed, including The Virgin (1880), Manon (1884, considered by many to be his masterpiece), Le Cid (1885) and Werther (1892). In addition to his ambitious operas and orchestral works, Massenet wrote over 200 popular songs, many of them based on published poems. Lightly toned and creased. Random ink stains. Folded in half horizontally and unfolded. Otherwise, fine condition. 
WOODY GUTHRIE Folk singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie wrote this manuscript for a proposed series of albums with Asch Record Company, only one of which, Struggle: Documentary #1, was ever released. This rare document, signed with Guthrie's rank in the U. S. Army and his service number, chronicles a confrontation with a racist soldier and gives insight into this reluctant soldier's time in the Armed Forces during World War II! Autograph manuscript signed "Pvt. Woody W. Guthrie, #42234634." 2 pages, 7x10½, 1 sheet, front and verso, two columns. Written at "Scott Field", Aug. 12, 1945. Titled: "American Document/art number one". In part: "I met a soldier out on a rifle range down in Texas that was telling a gang of men, 'There's good and bad in every church and every race. They just got to be put in their place and made to stay in it. I say give every color his part of town and make him stay in it. My home town had a fight or a killing just about every few days. I'm as good a trade union man as the next one, but 
TAX DOCUMENT REVEALS THAT GEORGE GERSHWIN GOT 60% AND IRA GERSHWIN RECEIVED 40% FROM THEIR COLLABORATIONS GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN. Carbon Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin" and "Ira Gershwin", 1p, 8½x13. Los Angeles, California, 1936 September 30. In part:"GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN each, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: That he is one of the parties to the written agreement dated July 29, 1936, executed by and between RKO STUDIOS, INC. and GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN, under the terms and conditions of which the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin are employed by the said RKO Studios, Inc. and under the terms and conditions of which thecompensation payable to the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin is paid to them jointly, without any allocation between them. That under the terms and conditions of an agreement existing between the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin all compensation received by them 
THE MAMAS AND PAPAS Promissory note in the amount of $20,000 signed by all four members. Promissory note signed “J. Phillips”, “Michelle Phillips”, “Dennis Doherty” and “Cass Elliot”. 1p, 8x9. No place, December 1, 1966. In part: “FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned do severally and jointly promise to pay to Dunhill Records Ltd., or order, at the office of Dunhill Records Ltd. At 1330 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, 10019, or at such other place as may be designated in writing by the holder of this note, the principal sum of Twenty Thousand ($20,000.) Dollars together with interest on the principal sum accruing from the date hereof at the rate of six (6%) percent per annum, said payment to be made on demand provided that no demand shall be made prior to May 31, 1967.” The Mamas and the Papas, who were formed in New York in 1964 and disbanded in 1972, created a Grammy Award-winning hit, "Monday, Monday" (1966). Their other hits included "California Dreamin'" and "Dedicated to the One I Love".
THE CARPENTERS: KAREN and RICHARD The sister and brother singing duo sign the inside sleeve from their fourth album “A Song For You”. Record Sleeve signed: "Richard/Carpenter", "Karen Carpenter", 11½ x 10. Signed in blue ink by their images on the sleeve. The Grammy Award-winning brother and sister duo garnered six platinum and two gold albums and ten gold records after being signed by Herb Alpert of A&M Records on April 22, 1969. Their hit songs include "Close To You" (1970), "We've Only Just Begun" (1970) and "Top of the World" (1973). KAREN CARPENTER (1950-1983) died of heart failure from anorexia nervosa at the age of 32. RICHARD CARPENTER (b. 1946) released his debut solo album, Time, in 1987. Minor surface creasing. Fine condition. Album cover viewable from back of frame. Framed to an overall size of 30¼ x 28. Minor wearing at frame corners. 
CHARLIE PARKER The day before he began an engagement at Club Harlem (October 8, 1950), Parker signs a receipt for a $35 advance. Parker's signature is one of the rarest of all jazz signatures and highly desirable! Rare Manuscript DS: "Charlie Parker", 1 page, 4½ x 2½ lined sheet. No place, 1950 October 8.In full: "Received Thirty-Five Dollars/$3500 as advance". According to Ken Vail's book Bird's Diary, Parker opened in Club Harlem on Monday, Oct. 9 for a nine-day engagement. This advance is probably for that Club Harlem appearance.Parker (1920-1955) was one of the most innovative improvisers in jazz history. An alto saxophonist and composer known as "Bird", he was a leader in developing the bebop style and, arguably, was the greatest saxophonist of all time. In 1951, due to his drug addiction, his cabaret license was revoked in New York, and he became increasingly unreliable. In 1954, he twice attempted suicide before spending time in Bellevue. His health, shaken by a very full, if brief, life of excesses, gradually declined. He died in March 1955 at the age of 34.
JULES MASSENET He has signed these autograph music and lyrics, the last four measures of his religious cantata, The Virgin, and dated it himself (1880) Autograph Musical Quotation signed: "J. Massenet/Paris 17-8-80", 1p, 10¾x3½. Inscribed by Massenet in French: "To Miss Eugenie Hautier/souvenir with respect". Massenet has identified the four long measures as the last measures of "Holy Friday", Third Scene of his religious cantata The Virgin scored by Massenet for four voices, one for each long measure, identified by Massenet as "Marie Salome", "Marie Magdalena", "Jean" and "Simon", with words penned in his hand. French composer Jules Massenet (1842-1912) made his name with the comic opera Don César de Bazan (1872). Other operas followed, including Manon (1884), considered by many to be his masterpiece, Le Cid (1885) and Werther (1892). In the 3rd Part of The Virgin, "Good Friday", Mary-Salomé, Mary-Magdeleine, John and Simon have sought refuge in the Virgin's home.
THE GRATEFUL DEAD: JERRY GARCIA Jerry Garcia Nude Man with Beard Painting (undated). Original Artwork Signed “Garcia”. Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia presents us with the "full Monty" in this oil on stretched canvas painting. Approximately 23¾ x 18 visible, framed to an overall size of 26x33. Fine condition. Accompanied by letter of provenance. THE GRATEFUL DEAD, the most enduring band of the psychedelic era, released a number of recordings, however they were best known for their concert tours which attracted thousands of fans, called "Deadheads", who faithfully followed the band on its many concert tours. The Dead, which toured extensively from the winter of 1965 through July 9, 1995 (except in 1975), was founded in San Francisco from remnants of Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions by JERRY GARCIA in 1965. Other original members included BOB WEIR (guitar, vocals) and PHIL LESH (bass) who, like Garcia, played with the Dead from 1965 to 1995.
GIOACCHINO ROSSINI Gioacchino Rossini sends an autograph letter in Italian to send an article. Autograph Letter Signed: "Rossini" in Italian, 1p, 4¼ x 5½. No place, no date. To Severini. In full: "Please send, within today, the portion of the opera La Fata Bianca [The White Fairy] which has the tenor's role, to Mr. Curioni. All is well." Curioni was the Italian tenor, Alberico Curioni.By the time he was 18, Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868) had written his first opera. The Italian composer is best known for his comic opera, The Barber of Seville, and his grand opera, William Tell, with its famous overture. The "Overture" to the four-act William Tell became one of the most familiar of all operatic works when it was used to open the radio and television show, The Lone Ranger. Guillame Tell was first performed in Paris in 1829. The Italian composer, the leading representative of the Bel Canto School of Opera and one of the last masters of opera buffa, spent his later years in Paris and his native Italy. Lightly stained, lightly creased, with folds. Light ink transfer from a different letter. Ink smudging present on some letters.
FOR THE VICTOR TALKING MACHINE COMPANY'S RECORDING OF HIS 1929 PERFORMANCE OF AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, GERSHWIN RECEIVES ROYALTIES OF ONE CENT PER RECORD SOLD! GEORGE GERSHWIN. Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin", 1p, 8x10. No place, 1929 November 1.Headed:"Victor Talking Machine Company/Statement of Royalty Due on Selections by/George Gershwin". The statement is titled: "Sold by the Victor Talking Machine Company for period ending Sept. 30, 1929". Two different records were sold: An American in Paris - Parts 1 and 2 (8331 copies), $83.31 royalty and An American in Paris - Parts 3 and 4 (8327 copies), $83.27 royalty. Total: $166.58 royalty. Gershwin was paid royalties of a penny per copy! He has signed beneath this statement: "I accept the above statement of my royalty account for records of my performance in accordance with my contract dated March 13, 1929 and acknowledge the receipt of the amount for the period shown on said statement in full and final settlement of said account." An American in Paris, inspired by Gershwin's time spent in the French capital, was a groundbreaking symphonic 
THELONIOUS MONK His rare signature on a letter of agreement with Columbia Records, concerning recorded distribution of his live performance at the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival. Documentary Letter signed: "Thelonious Monk", 1 page, 8½x11. Forest Hills, N.Y., 1963 September 23. On letterhead of Columbia Records. Monk signs his assent to a letter referencing a prior agreement by him with Columbia Records (1962 July 30), and declaring that no additional compensation will be owed him for the recording of his performance at the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival unless the company issues a complete LP album featuring his performance exclusively. Jazz pianist and composer Thelonius Monk (1917-1982) has been called "the high priest of bebop," although his idiosyncratic style defies glib categorization. Several of his compositions, including Round Midnight and Blue Monk are classics of the genre. Although Monk had been performing since the early 1940s and had already written some of his classic songs, it was not until the mid-1950s that his avant-garde style began to attract a wide audience. In 1956 he released Brilliant Corners, considered one of the classic jazz albums of all time.
WINTER DANCE PARTY TOUR: BUDDY HOLLY, DION DiMUCCI and others 5x3 card signed by at least 5 members of the Winter Dance Party tour which claimed Buddy's life in 1959, framed with Holly's Greatest Hits album. Signatures: "Buddy Holly" in pencil and "Frankie Sardo" and, on verso, "Dion", "Carl Bunch/Drums/Crickets", and an unidentified signer in pencil, and in blue ink "Dion", "To/Elliott/Love =/Debbie/Stevens", 5x3 card. Framed with an album cover for Buddy Holly's Greatest Hits. Holly had written many of the songs featured on the album, including "Peggy Sue", "That'll Be the Day" and "Maybe Baby". Holly, who was graduated from Lubbock High School in 1955, was recording for Decca Records within a year. Born on September 7, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas as Charles Hardin Holley, the future recording star became known as "Buddy".His first record contract dropped the "e" in Holley, and he adopted the spelling.Before going to Lubbock High School, Holly had attended Lubbock's J.T. Hutchinson Junior High, where he met Bob Montgomery.
BUDDY HOLLY His handwritten answers to an English test at Lubbock High School, 1953 Autograph Manuscript signed: "Buddy Holley", 1p, 8x10½. Lubbock (Texas), 1953 March 17. An English grammar test. Holly (original spelling "Holley") has headed the page,signing his name in the upper left and writing "English 22v (2)" beneath his name. At the upper right, he has penned "Lubbock High School" and the date "March 17, 1953". Headed: "Test" by Holly, the test had 40 questions; just the answers are written. Holly had to identify parts of speech ("adv", "noun", "pronoun", "conjunction") and types of sentences ("run-on", "phrase", "sub. clause"). Only one answer (the first) is marked wrong. Holly was graduated from Lubbock High School in 1955 and within a year was recording for Decca Records. He was an innovator who wrote his own material and was among the first to use such advanced studio techniques as double-tracking. Holly pioneered and popularized the now-standard rock-band lineup of two guitars, bass and drums. He began experimenting with orchestration shortly before his death in 1959. His first song recorded with the Crickets in 1957 was "That'll Be the Day". "Peggy Sue" followed.
THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS: JOHN PHILLIPS, MICHELLE PHILLIPS, DENNIS DOHERTY and CASS ELLIOT The Mamas and Papas sign a document requesting that the royalties from Dunhill Records, Inc. be paid. Rare Typed Document Signed: "John Phillips", "Michelle Phillips", "Cass Elliot" and "Dennis Doherty", 1p, 8½x11. No place, 1967 September 26.To Dunhill Records, Beverly Hills.In full: "The undersigned hereby irrevocably instruct and direct you to pay a sum equal to twenty (20%) per cent of any and all royalties payable to us from Dunhill Records, Inc., attributable to the sale of records embodying our performances on master recordings produced by Lou Adler, to Mr. Lou Adler at 800 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, California 90024. All recording costs are to be borne solely by us." Adler's name and address are crossed out in black pen, most probably before this document was sold to a collector/dealer. The day after this contract, Adler resigned from Dunhill Records and was hired by The Mamas and the Papas to be their producer and as an independent contractor to supervise, direct and produce their recording sessions.
THE BEATLES: JOHN LENNON, PAUL McCARTNEY, GEORGE HARRISON and RINGO STARR Poster of a matador lancing a bull that's been signed by all four. Poster signed: "John Lennon", "George/Harrison", "Paul McCartney" and "Ringo Starr". 18¾ x 39½ visible. "Beatlemania" hit England in 1963, causing a musical revolution that quickly spread to America and rapidly throughout the world. The Beatles' songs, most of which were composed by Lennon and McCartney, owned the top of the charts. "I Want to Hold Your Hand", "A Hard Day's Night", "I Feel Fine", "We Can Work It Out", "Penny Lane", "Hello Goodbye" and "Let It Be" are just a few of their legendary hits. John, Paul, George and Ringo influenced not only the music, but also the fashions and lifestyles of young people during the 1960s. Their films include A Hard Day's Night (1964), Help! (1965) and Yellow Submarine (1968). The Beatles disbanded in 1969; however, their music, the memories and their charisma live on. Tack holes at corners. Fine condition.
THE BIG BOPPER: JILES PERRY RICHARDSON, JR. Working Manuscript for his song "Walking Thru My Dreams" which was released immediately after his death. Autograph Manuscript, not signed, 1p, 8x10½. Original working manuscript of his song "Walking Thru My Dreams".The song was released immediately after his death in a plane crashnear Mason City, Iowa on February 3, 1959. The crash also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. In full with misspellings: "Walking thru my Dreams/When I close my eyes/I cant fall a sleep/keep tossin & a turnin tumbling/a talking & a mumblin'/What to do/I start countin sheep/& end up countin kisses/Its you I always see/I want you close to me/keep dreaming about you/Walking thru my dreams/I see your lovely face/walking thru my dreams each nite/Walkin thru every place/but I only love you in my dreams & that/aint right./But who knows somday, dreams came/true it seems/So there in slumber land, I know ill hold/your hand/& we'll go walkin thru my dreams." This song was released on the flip side of the ballad "Someone Watching Over You".
BILLIE HOLIDAY Striking vintage photograph of the legendary singer. Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Junior/stay cool/Billie Holiday". B/w, 8x10. Photo by Robin Canon. Official publicity photo by Associated Booking Corp., New York. Exceptional jazz singer of the depression and war years, Billie Holiday (1915-1959) inscribed this photo (circa 1940s) with the jazz expression, "Stay cool". Holiday was anything but - she was hot! From the time she made her first recordings with Benny Goodman in 1933, Holiday's popularity rose rapidly. There followed her most productive years with Count Basie's band and Artie Shaw's band. Jazz saxophonist Lester Young dubbed her "Lady Day", a nickname that remained lifelong. In spite of a narcotic addiction, her style was inimitable and her fans loyal; following rehabilitation in 1947, Holiday performed her torchy ballads to a "standing room" audience in New York's Carnegie Hall (1948). Known for songs such as "My Man" and "Mean to Me", Holiday told of her turbulent life and career in her autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues (1956). Creased. Lightly soiled.
THE BIG BOPPER: JILES PERRY RICHARDSON, JR. The Big Bopper transfers his 'Big Love' rights, displayed with an ultra-rare first press version of 'Chantilly Lace'. Document signed "J. P. Richardson", two pages, 8½ x 13¾, December 11, 1958. Agreement between Richardson and the Big Bopper Music Company for the transfer of the rights, titles, and interest to the unpublished original song 'Big Love.' Richardson will receive three cents per copy of regular piano copies or orchestration sold in the US, 50% of the licensing, 50% of the record sales in the US and Canada, and 50% earned for public performances. Jiles Perry Richardson (1930-1959) was a Texas disc jockey who called himself "The Big Bopper" after the latest dance craze, the bop. His song, "Chantilly Lace", which he wrote and sang, reached the "Top Ten" in 1958. In January 1959, The Big Bopper was booked on the Winter Dance Party tour that would cover most of the Midwest. The tour included such headliners as Buddy Holly, Dion and the Belmonts, Waylon Jennings and Ritchie Valens.
GEORGE GERSHWIN Gershwin signs a program for a performance only six months before his death that is titled "Special Detroit Symphony Concert". Program signed: "Good wishes/George Gershwin", 1p, 5x8. Detroit, 1937 January 20. Headed: "Special Detroit Symphony Concert".George Gershwin (1898-1937) signed this program for a concert in Detroit performed only six months before his death. The concert, featuring Gershwin on the piano and conducting, featured some of his best work, including Rhapsody in Blue. Also featured were selections from the folk opera Porgy and Bess. The Detroit concert was well-received, and Gershwin was invited to perform the next season. After the concert, Gershwin returned to Beverly Hills, where he was working on Fred Astaire's movie, A Damsel in Distress and preparing for a concert in Los Angeles on February 10th and 11th. On July 11, 1937, Gershwin died of a brain tumor, he was only 38. Stray ink marks. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 28¼ x 16¾. 
J.P. RICHARDSON [THE BIG BOPPER] Scarce photograph of the 1950s Rock 'N' Roller Rare Photograph inscribed and signed: "To / Reg - / Thanks / for the wonderful / hospitality / Big / Bopper". B/w, 6¾ x 8½. Publicity photograph by Van Dyck Studio, Beaumont (imprint at lower left edge). Ink lightly beaded (completely legible). Minor surface creases (most not evident head on) at background. Fine condition. Framed, not by the Gallery of History: 15¼x17¾. Not reviewed by us for conservation integrity. Mat has separated from frame, resulting in the photograph not being flush with glass. Frame is scratched and chipped, backing paper is torn at upper portion. "As is" framing. Jiles Perry Richardson (1930-1959) was a Texas disc jockey who called himself "The Big Bopper" after the latest dance craze, the bop. His song, "Chantilly Lace", which he wrote and sang, reached the "Top Ten" in 1958. In January 1959, The Big Bopper was booked on the Winter Dance Party tour that would cover most of the Midwest.
TOM MARSON and FRANK SINATRA Oversized color photograph of Sinatra with his arm around alleged mob boss Tom Marson, signed by both and inscribed by Marson. Large Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Papa Frank/Love & Best/wishes/Tom Marson" and "Frank Sinatra". Color, 16x20. It is said that this photograph was given to a close friend of 30 years, Vincent Albanese. It was taken at about the same time as the famous 1976 photograph of Sinatra and several Mafia chieftains taken backstage at the Westchester Premier Theatre. That photograph pictured Sinatra with his arms around Marson and Gregory DePalma. Also pictured were Paul Castellano, Carlo Gambino, Joseph Gambino, Aladena Fratianno, Salvatore Spatola and Richard Fusco. Sinatra's connection to the mafia is documented in Kitty Kelley's His Way. Tom Marson was one of the upper echelon members of the Cosa Nostra and connected to Carlo and Joe Gambino. Truly, a conversation piece! Minor surface creases across entire photograph. Otherwise, fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 27x37. 
JANIS "PEARL" JOPLIN Rare signed poster that promoted a performance in 1967. Poster signed: "Janis Joplin". 13¼ x 20 visible. This poster promoted a concert held August 24-27, 1967, at the Chet Helm's Family Dog, Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco, California. The feature performers were Big Brother and the Holding Company, Bo Diddley, Bukka White, Salvation Army Banned, and the North American Ibis Alchemical Co. Joplin (1943-1970) was one of the great rock and blues singers of her time, making her material distinctly her own with her wailing, raspy, supercharged emotional delivery. She starred as the frontwoman for San Francisco psychedelic band Big Brother & the Holding Company, later leaving the group in the late 60s for a career as a solo artist. Shortly before her death in 1970 from a heroin overdose, she assembled the Full Tilt Boogie Band for what turned out to be her final album, Pearl. Janis Joplin is rare in any form. Tack holes at all corners. 1-inch diagonal tear at upper right corner. Ink notes in unknown hand at lower right margin. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 16x23.
RITCHIE VALENS His two-sided hit record "Donna"/ "La Bamba," inscribed and signed on the label and framed in a display to 33x18. Record inscribed and signed: "Love/To Mary/Ritchie/Valens" on label of "Donna" side. 45-rpm record, produced by DelFi, "Donna" on one side, "La Bamba" on the flip side. Born Richard Valenzuela in 1941 in California's San Fernando Valley, the 17-year-old Chicano rocker was given the stage name Ritchie Valens before the release of his first hit, "Come On, Let's Go", which rose to Number 42 on the U.S. charts in October 1958. After this tune's regional success in the western states, Valens quickly followed up with two nationally popular songs. Written for his girlfriend, the sentimental and somewhat mournful "Donna" was a surprising contrast to the tune on the record's flip side, the vibrant "La Bamba", a Rock and Roll version of a Latino folk dance. "Donna" quickly rose into the Top 10,resulting in Valens' instant demand on the concert circuit. The song was released shortly before his death in a plane crash near Mason City, Iowa, February 3, 1959.
RITCHIE VALENS Signed yearbook-style high school photo (2½x3½) Photograph signed: "Ritchie/Valens". B/w, 2½ x 3½. High school rocker Ritchie Valens signed this photo taken during his senior year. That school year, the 17-year-old named Richard Valenzuela was discovered by Del-Fi Records. Valens' first record, "Come On, Let's Go," became an overnight success in September 1958. The following February, the young singer-songwriter joined the Winter Dance Party Tour with Buddy Holley. During the Tour, their plane crashed (February 3, 1959), taking the lives of Holly, J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson, the pilot and Valens, whose hits would include "Donna" and "La Bamba". Lightly creased. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 14¼ x 21¾. 
FRANZ LISZT Rare, signed photograph of the Hungarian composer Photograph signed: "F Liszt," 5x7. In 1865, Franz Liszt (1811-1886) joined the Franciscans, earned the title Abbe, and began teaching piano and composition. He would, in a few years, enter the period in his life he called “vie trifurquee” (1869-1886). Liszt termed this interval his “three-pronged life” because he lived in and travelled between Rome, Italy, Weimar Germany and Budapest, Hungary. During this period, the respected maestro wrote the bulk of his compositions, which eventually totaled over 700 works. A child prodigy at the piano, Liszt began his career as a composter in Weimar, where he was appointed court music conductor in 1842. He then focused on religious music and composed 14 symphonic poems, including Les Preludes, Orpheus and A Faust Symphony. Fine condition. Frame worn at corners. Framed to an overall size of 17x27. Music | Appointments
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FREDERICK (PRINCE OF WALES) LOUIS - CIVIL APPOINTMENT SIGNED 04/23/1750 CO-SIGNED BY: HENRY DRAX - HFSID 23593FREDERICK LOUIS, PRINCE OF WALES His signature on the warrant of Reverend William Nowell as Chaplain to the Prince, also signed by the Prince's Secretary, Henry Drax Civil Appointment signed:Sale Price $396.00
$440.00
