ALS: "G. Verdi", 1p, 4½x3½. Sant'Agate, 1889 November 18. To his close friend, Maria Massari Waldmann. In Italian, partially translated. In part: "Thank you, my dear Maria, and thanks to your kind Duke for the affectionate remembrance...Greetings to the Duke and a warm handshake...." On February 8, 1872, mezzo-soprano MARIA MASSARI WALDMANN starred as Amneris in the Milan premiere of Aida under Verdi's direction. At the time of this letter, Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) spent part of the year at the Villa Verdi at St. Agata diBusseto, close to his birthplace in Le Roncole, and part in Genoa in an apartment in the Palazzo Doria. Inscription on verso of Verdi's letter, in Italian: "To my dear/friend Margherita/from/Maria Massari/Zavaglia/Ferrara, 22-1-905". There is a collection of nearly 100 letters from Verdi to Waldmann in La Biblioteca del Conservatorio "G.B. Martini" in Bologna, Italy. Lightly stained. Overall, fine condition.

The German composer who succeeded in influencing numerous fields of study outside of music signed handwrote and signed this note! Autograph Note Signed: "R. Wagner" in German, 1p, 5x7. No place, no date. To "Dear Friend". In full: "Would you be so kind as to settle the little matter enclosed herewith." Wilhelm Richard Wagner (1813-1883) dominated the development of classical music from about 1850 to 1875. He originated the musical drama and was a pioneer in the development of the leitmotifs, specific sounds and harmonies that are associated with characters. Wagner produced both the text (libretto) and music for his operas and prioritized the drama in each production over specific artistic and theatrical mediums. His best-known production is called Der Ring des Nibelungen, but is commonly referred to as the Ring Cycle. Since Wagner's death, his music and writings have seen their share of controversy. Evidence exists of Wagner's antisemitism, and as a result Wagner's music was used by Adolph Hitler to bolster his Third Reich fascist government. Although the use of Wagner's work by Nazi Germany has complicated his legacy, there can be no doubt that Wagner was one of the greatest musical composers of all time.

His handwritten notes on ruled notebook paper for a high school history test, framed with his phototo an overall size of 34x24. Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, 1 page, 7¾x10 ruled notebook paper. No place, but Lubbock, Texas, no year. Holly has written an outline of four points, likely to study for his history class. Headed: "Questions on American History/Chapter I". In full: "1. List some of the contributions of the following ancient peoples to our life today./a. Phoenicians/b. Greeks/c. Romans/2. State briefly how the following contributed to the discovery of America./a. The Renaissance/b. The Crusades/c. Marco Polo and other travelers/d. The invention of printing/e. the commercial revolution/3. Spanish Explorers - Date - Scene of Ex. Import/a. Balboa/b. Magellan/c. Cortes/d. Pizarro/e. Ponce de Leon/4. French Explorers - Date - Scene of Ex. - Import./a Verrazano/b. Cartier/c. Champlain". During his high school years in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy did his history homework, as evidenced by this manuscript, on which Holly has written a "1" at the upper right corner. But Charles Hardin "Buddy" Holley (1936-1959) was no ordinary high school student.

This fantastic (and huge) 33¾x63¾ color poster is a promotion for TNT's 1999 spectacular An All-Star Tribute to Johnny Cash, and is signed by Johnny Cash and three members of his backing bands the Tennessee Two and Tennessee Three - Marshall Grant, W. S. Holland and Bob Wootton - along with Kix Brook and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Emmy Lou Harris, Marty Stuart, gospel singer Wilson Waters, Jr. and host Jon Voight. Poster signed "W S Holland", "Kix/Brooks", "Marshall/Grant", "Ronnie Dunn/'99", "Bob Wootton", "Marty Stuart", "Wilson Waters Jr", "E L Harris", "Kris Kristofferson", "Johnny Cash", "Jon Voight" and "Lyle Lovett", all in silver ink. With six unidentified signatures. Color, 33¾x63¾, mounted on foamboard. Promotional poster for An All-Star Tribute to Johnny Cash, originally broadcast on TNT on April 18, 1999. ©1999 Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. An All-Star Tribute to Johnny Cash was just that - a tribute to the Grammy-winning Man in Black by musical acts like Bruce Springsteen, Trisha Yearwood, U2, Cash's wife June Carter Cash, Sheryl Crow, the Dave Matthews Band, Kris Kristofferson, the Mavericks, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Chris Isaak, Wyclef Jean and others.

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. They try to comfort Christ's mother. In the distance one can hear the threatening voices of the people and the soldiers.

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". CASS ELLIOT was only 30 when she died of a heart attack in London in 1974. JOHN PHILLIPS was 65 when he died in 2001 of heart failure. DENNIS "DENNY" DOHERTY died in 2007 at age 66.

The Beatles guitarist penned his signature on this Union Jack guitar after a 2006 concert in Columbus, Ohio. Not played or owned by Paul McCartney. Guitar Signed: "Paul McCartney" on the Union Jack pick guard. Squier Tele electric guitar by Fender, cream-colored body, with a red, white and blue pick guard patterned after the British flag. Accompanied by a black fabric, zippered carrying case with strap, and a letter of authenticity from the man who obtained the signature in person in October 2005, after a concert in Columbus, Ohio. Perhaps the most successful singer/composer in rock 'n roll history, Sir Paul McCartney (b. 1942) will always be remembered as a member of the Beatles, the band which took America by storm during its 1964 tour. The Beatles were one of many popular British bands part of the "British Invasion"; other bands who got major exposure in the United States include the Dave Clark Five, the Rolling Stones, and the Who. Before they broke up in 1970, the band released some of the greatest albums of all time, including three albums certified Diamond (at least 10x Platinum) by the RIAA: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), The Beatles (also known as The White Album, released in 1968), and Abbey Road (1969).

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. Monk's reputation has only grown since his death: he received posthumously a special Pulitzer Prize for Music and a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement.

The Legendary Beatles guitarist signs check on Apple Records, Inc. account during period of significant musical projects. Check signed: "George Harrison", blue ink, 8x3½. National Westminster Bank Limited, London, England, May 20, 1971. Drawn on the account of Apple Records Inc, payable to Elloway & Co for £35 and 75 pence. Around the time this check was signed, Harrison was involved in several significant musical projects that included his collaborative work with John Lennon on the song “How Do You Sleep”, organizing a benefit concert in Bangladesh, and producing Badfinger's album “Straight Up” Bank cancellation stamps at mid-section. Small ink notation intersecting the "rr" in Harrison, with two hole-punches along check's top edge. Overall, fine condition. George Harrison (1943-2001) was an English musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Born in Liverpool, England, Harrison developed an early passion for music, influenced by skiffle and rock and roll. He joined John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the Quarrymen in 1958, which evolved into the Beatles.

Thomas "Fats" Waller signs an autograph musical quotation. Autograph Music Quotation signed: "Best Wishes/Thanks/Thomas 'Fats' Waller", 1p, 6x8¼. Bar of music identified by the jazz pianist as "Ain't Misbehavin!/No! No!!" Thomas "Fats" Waller (1904-1943) left DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, New York, in 1917 after one year because he felt he was wasting his time. "There isn't any rhythm in algebra" he complained. His father was a well-known violinist, so Thomas was allowed to leave Clinton to get a job so he could afford piano lessons. He was only 17 when he pressed his first records and made his first piano rolls, and at 19 he initiated his first radio broadcasts. In 1929, Waller wrote the score for the Broadway hit Hot Chocolates. His most famous song "Ain't Misbehavin'" was introduced in the show, which featured Louis Armstrong. Waller was only 39 when he died of pneumonia. Two unrelated autographs, dated 1939 on verso (no show through). Irregular left edge. Lightly shaded at margins. Light diagonal stain touches the top of the "T" in Thomas. Overall, fine condition.

Right handprint the composer which he has signed and dated in 1925! Handprint signed: "Richard Strauss/21.4.25" in ink, 6½x8¼. Handprint of Strauss' right hand. Stamped: "M. Raschig's Handarchiv." Strauss (1864-1949, born Richard Georg Strauss in Munich, Germany) was Court Conductor at Munich (1894-1898) and Chief Conductor of the Berlin Court Opera (1898-1918). As a composer, Strauss was regarded as the leader of the New Romantic school. Among his works were 15 operas, including Salome (1905), Elektra (1909) and Der Rosenkavalier (1911), as well as ballets, symphonies, concertos and about 200 songs. Berlin palm reader MARIANNE RASCHIG, who also wrote a scientific book on the art of palm reading, put together a collection of over 2,500 handprints from 1924 to 1935. Lightly creased and soiled, irregular left edge. File notes in blank areas (unknown hand). Otherwise, fine condition.

Large framed display on the Polish composers, featuring a 2x3 Autograph Musical Quotation signed by Henri and a 4x6 photo signed by Josef. Comprises: (1) HENRI WIENIAWSKI. Autograph Musical Quotation signed: "Hri. Wieniawski", 2x3. He has penned three bars of music from his "2nd Polonaise - Polonaise Brilliante No. 2" (1870). Headed in his hand: "2de Volonaise". Slightly shaded. Fine condition. (2) JOSEF WIENIAWSKI. Photograph signed: "Joseph Wieniawski" below a three-line inscription in French (not translated), dated 15 June 1910. B/w, 4x5¾. Signed with the English spelling of his name. Nicked at right edge and upper corners. Overall, fine condition. HENRYK "HENRI" WIENIAWSKI (1835-1880) and his younger brother, JOSEF "JOSEPH" WIENIAWSKI (1837-1912) were known as the "Maestros of Poland". As boys of 14 and 16, the Wieniawskis had began a two-year concert tour of Russia in 1851 with pianist Josef accompanying violinist Henryk. That year, they also published "Allegro de Sonata", which they had composed in 1848. The two brothers excelled in their chosen fields of music, with Henri composing brilliant Romantic concertos, études and genre pieces for the violin.