VERDI WRITES TO MARIA WALDMANN WHO APPEARED IN HIS FIRST PRODUCTION OF AIDA IN MILAN GIUSEPPE VERDI. 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.
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.
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.
GEORGE GERSHWIN This framed letter that features the composer's autograph shows his interest in new phonograph recording technology Typed Letter Signed, "George Gershwin". 8¼x10½. One page. Dated September 14, 1931. On his personal letterhead. Gershwin writes to a representative of R.C.A. which was the parent company of N.B.C. (created in 1926 to broadcast on radio) and Victor Labs (acquired in 1929 which built phonographs.). The conglomerate was able to remain at the forefront of early broadcasting technology for many years due to the unique merging of technologies. Gershwin's association with R.C.A. was a long and fruitful venture. It was R.C.A. that recorded "An American in Paris", which was used in the 1951 musical film of the same name. Gershwin's letter in full: " My dear Mr. Clark: I received your invitation to dinner at the Savoy-Plaza on September seventeenth. I am tremendously interested in hearing the new development in phonograph recording, which you will probably demonstrate account of a previous engagement which I have for that evening.
GIACOMO PUCCINI The Italian composer signs this touching sentiment on a photograph mount. Photograph Mount inscribed and signed: "Alla bella & gentile Signorina / Marietta Stern, / ricordo / Giacomo Puccini / Roma Gen: 1918" Photograph of Puccini by Vuillemenot Montibone, 6½ x 8½, 11¾ x 17 photograph and mount overall. Puccini was in Rome preparing for the European debut, on January 11, 1919, of his opera, Il trittico. This was a trilogy of three one-act operas including Il tabarro, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. Photograph is creased and toned. Photograph mount creased. Framed to an overall size of 24½ x 27. Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), the greatest Italian opera composer of his time. He wrote a number of operas, including his three most famous works, La Bohème, Tosca and Madama Butterfly, while living at Torre Del Lago, the home he had purchased in 1891. Puccini and his family lived at Torre Del Lago until 1921, and the home became a museum after the death of Puccini's wife in 1930. Light partial postmark to the right of Puccini's head.
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.
ROY ORBISON The Grammy award winning singer and songwriter signs the cover of his 1979 album Laminar Flow Album Cover signed: "Roy Orbison". Color, 12x12. His 1979 album, Laminar Flow (windowed to show verso, which features another color photograph of the legendary singer, songwriter and rock pioneer). ©1979, Elektra/Asylum Records. Songs include "Easy Way Out", "Love is a Cold Wind", "Lay It Down", "I Care", "We're Into Something Good", "Movin'", "Poor Baby", "Warm Spot Hot", "Tears", "Friday Night" and "Hound Dog Man". Record not included. Texas-born Roy Orbison (1936-1988) helped usher in the 1950s' rockabilly sound while at Sun Records. In 1960, he left Sun and released his first million-seller, the haunting "Only the Lonely". Enormous success followed with tunes including "Crying", "In Dreams" and "Oh Pretty Woman", which sold over seven million copies. The reclusive, operatic-voiced singer, who was known for his trademark shades and black clothing, enjoyed a comeback in the 1980s, winning a Grammy Award for "That Loving You Feeling Again".
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 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.
EDVARD GRIEG and ERNESTINE SCHUMANN HEINK Both sign their names on this album leaf containing several bars of music drawn by Grieg Autograph Musical Quotation signed: "Edvard Grieg" 1p, 6x3½. Leipzig, 1891.Three bars of music labeled: "Andante" at top by EDVARD GRIEG (1843-1907). Grieg was a Norwegian composer and pianist who learned how to play at the age of six and went on the attend Leipzig Conservatory. His works include music for Ibsen's Peer Gynt (1876) as well as many choral, orchestral, and chamber pieces. On verso is an Autograph Note signed: "Schumann Heink" in German, New York, 1902 January. From the late 1880s to the early 1900s, the exceptional contralto voice of ERNESTINE SCHUMANN HEINK (1861-1936) was heard frequently at concerts and festivals throughout Europe. She was primarily known for her interpretations of Wagner and Strauss. In 1905, she took out U.S. naturalization papers. Her German-language recording of "Silent Night" earned sales for Victor Red Seal records unmatched by any other artist. When the U.S.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS: JOHN PHILLIPS, MICHELLE PHILLIPS, DENNIS DOHERTY and CASS ELLIOT The Mamas and Papas sign a document to Dunhill Records, Inc., Trousdale Music Publishers, Inc. and Wingate Music Corp. Rare Typed Document Signed: "John Phillips", "Michelle Gilliam Phillips", "Cass Elliot" and "Dennis Doherty", 3p, 8½x11, separate sheets. No place, 1967 September 28. In letter form to Dunhill Records, Inc., Trousdale Music Publishers, Inc. and Wingate Music Corp. A listing of seven points to confirm the "understanding and agreement between you and the undersigned....". In part: "Trousdale agrees to cancel as of October 1, 1966 the 10% collection charge which was deducted in the computation of our writers' royalties for the last half of 1966...We acknowledge and agree that mechanical royalties are payable by Dunhill and its parent and affiliated companies to Trousdale and Wingate on 90% of gross sales and that writers' royalties are payable by Trousdale and Wingate on the same 90% basis...You and we hereby acknowledge that the sum of $13,330 was expended for re-mastering and reprinting slicks and labels in connection with the replacement of Jill Gibson....
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".
JOHN LENNON and MAY PANG Framed Gallery of History display (46x30) featuring the t-shirt from Caribou Ranch studio given to Lennon when he recorded there with Elton John, accompanied by an authentication signed by Lennon's lover at the time, May Pang, and by a photo of Lennon and Pang together Comprises: (1) DS: "May Pang". 1 page, 8x5. No place, no date. In full: "From John Lennon's T-shirt collection, Caribou Ranch t-shirt. Given to John during his visit to Caribou Ranch Studio, when he and Elton John recorded 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds'". Fine condition. (2) Extremely Rare Caribou Ranch T-shirt. Long-sleeve Collegiate Pacific, cream-colored, size 34-36. Slightly stained. Fine condition. From October 1973 until March 1975, JOHN LENNON (1940-1980) and MAY PANG lived, loved and worked together. During the Lennon-Yoko Ono separation and at Ono's instigation, their young, personal assistant became his constant companion. Deeply emotional and trying "to find himself", Lennon worked diligently to create the songs for his 1974 album Walls and Bridges, in which he dedicated one song to Ono and "Surprise Surprise" to his lover.
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 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. 
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.
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 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.
BUDDY HOLLY Notebook page with his handwritten answers to a high school English quiz, signed by him at the top with the original spelling of his name ("Holley") Autograph Manuscript signed: "Buddy Holley" at upper margin, 1 page, 8x10½ lined sheet. Holly's answers to a ten-question test, likely for an English class as the answers refer to types of sentences. He answered seven questions correctly. 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. The duo quickly became known for their musical talent and lack of stage fright. Buddy, Bob and a friend, Jerry Allison, began performing at school functions, and by September of 1953, Buddy had a regular show on Lubbock radio station KDAV.
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.
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. 
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. Music | Sentiments
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BESSIE ABOTT - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 1907 - HFSID 78440BESSIE ABOTT She was singing with Caruso on the night of the San Francisco earthquake. Autograph Sentiment signed: "With pleasure!/Bessie Abott/New York/1907", 4¾x5¼. Abott's personal monogram printed at top of sheet.Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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ROY ACUFF - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 83419ROY ACUFF 5x3 card with the autograph sentiment of the "King of the Hillbillies" Autograph sentiment signed: "Sincerely/Roy Acuff", 5x3 index card. Roy Acuff (1903-1992), with his Smoky Mountain Boys, recorded such country music hitsas "The Wabash Cannonball".
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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ROY ACUFF - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 179959ROY ACUFF signed in black ink on a blue index card Autograph sentiment signed: "Sincerely/Roy Acuff", 5x3 index card. Roy Acuff (1903-1992), with his Smoky Mountain Boys, recorded such country music hitsas "The Wabash Cannonball".
Sale Price $216.00
$240.00
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LARRY ADLER - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 160876LARRY ADLER Small card signed "Sincerely" by Adler Card signed "Sincerely/Larry Adler". 2¾x1¾ card. Adler (1914-2001, born Lawrence Cecil Adler in Baltimore, Maryland) was widely acknowledged as the world's best harmonica player and brought new credibility to the instrument.
Sale Price $72.00
$80.00
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DOUGLAS AHLSTEDT - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 297912DOUGLAS AHLSTEDT Handwritten sentiment of the opera tenor and voice teacher Autograph Sentiment signed: "Best Wishes/Douglas Ahlstedt", 5x3 card. B/w magazine photo affixed in lower left (2 surfaces).
Sale Price $81.00
$90.00
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AIR SUPPLY - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: AIR SUPPLY (RUSSELL HITCHOCK), AIR SUPPLY (GRAHAM RUSSELL) - HFSID 296250AIR SUPPLY Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell sign a 5¼x4 piece of paper in blue ink. Autograph Sentiment signed: "Best Regards/Russell Hitchcock/'Air Supply'" and "Best Wishes/from/Graham Russell/'Air Supply'" in blue ink, 5¼x4 piece of paper.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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HARRY AKST - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: BERT E. FRIEDLOB - HFSID 19623HARRY AKST and BERT E. FRIEDLOB Signatures from the Songwriters Hall of Fame member and Hollywood producer, written to cabaret singer Hildegarde Autograph sentiment signed: "Harry Akst/Saluta Hildegarde (a Goddess)", "Bert E. Friedlob", and one unknown signature on verso, 9½x2¼.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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DAME EMMA ALBANI GYE - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 1909 - HFSID 19759EMMA ALBANI Albani signs a 3½x2½ card in 1909 Autograph Sentiment Signed: "With pleasure!/E Albani/Gye/1909", 3½x2½ card. Albani was married to Ernest Gye, the son of Frederick Gye, the manager of Covent Garden when the singer had made her debut there in 1872, from 1878 until his death in 1925.
Sale Price $126.00
$140.00
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FRANCES ALDA - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 1913 - HFSID 154829FRANCES ALDA Autograph Sentiment signed in 1913 Autograph Sentiment signed: "Very sincerely yours/Frances Alda/1913", 5x3¼ piece of paper. Alda (1879-1952), an operatic soprano from New Zealand, debuted at Opéra-Comique in 1904. She sang at the Met while he was director there, from 1908-1929.
Sale Price $81.00
$90.00
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DEBORAH ALLEN - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 267053DEBORAH ALLEN The Grammy nominated musician signs "Love Forever" on a First Day Cover for the 1976 Christmas stamp Autograph sentiment signed: "Love/Forever [heart]/Deborah Allen", 6½x3¾. FDC for the 1976 Christmas stamp, 13-cent stamp affixed, postmarked Boston, MA, October 27, 1976, FIRST DAY OF ISSUE.
Sale Price $81.00
$90.00
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HERB ALPERT - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 27109HERB ALPERT The musician signs on this 3¼x1¾ page, in black felt tip Autograph Sentiment Signed: "Best Wishes/Herb Alpert", 3¼x1¾ cut from a card. Trumpet player, occasional vocalist (most notably Burt Bacharach's "This Guy's In Love With You", which was a No.
Sale Price $144.00
$160.00
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PAXTI ANDION - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 297739PAXTI ANDION His ink signature with a Spanish sentiment Autograph Sentiment signed in Spanish: "[un-translated phrase]/Paxti Andion", 5x3 card. Spanish singer/songwriter and actor Paxti Andion (b. 1947) appeared in 11 films between 1975 and 1995, and made several appearances on Spanish TV.
Sale Price $81.00
$90.00
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EDDY ARNOLD - FIRST DAY COVER WITH AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 1992 CO-SIGNED BY: JERRY REED, DONNA FARGO, HANK WILLIAMS JR. - HFSID 200677COUNTRY MUSIC: EDDY ARNOLD, DONNA FARGO, JERRY REED and HANK WILLIAMS, JR Eddy Arnold, Donna Fargo, Jerry Reed and Hank Williams, Jr. sign a philatelic envelope honoring Cole Porter. Philatelic Envelope signed: "Eddy/Arnold/1992", "Love/Donna/Fargo", "Jerry Reed/'92", and "Hank/Williams, Jr.", 6½x3½.
Sale Price $252.00
$280.00
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EDDY ARNOLD - FIRST DAY COVER WITH AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 1992 CO-SIGNED BY: JERRY REED, DONNA FARGO, HANK WILLIAMS JR. - HFSID 222463COUNTRY MUSIC: EDDY ARNOLD, DONNA FARGO, JERRY REED and HANK WILLIAMS, JR Eddy Arnold, Donna Fargo, Jerry Reed and Hank Williams, Jr. sign a philatelic envelope honoring George Gershwin. Philatelic Envelope signed: "Eddy/Arnold/1992", "Happy Wishes/Donna Fargo", "Jerry Reed/'92", and "Hank/Williams/Jr.
Sale Price $252.00
$280.00
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WINIFRED ATWELL - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 78454WINIFRED ATWELL Blue album leaf signed "Sincerely yrs" by Atwell Autograph sentiment signed "Sincerely yrs/Winifred Atwell" in blue ink. 6x5¼. Atwell (1914-1983, born in Tunapuna,
Sale Price $90.00
$100.00
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WINIFRED ATWELL - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 159919WINIFRED ATWELL White album leaf signed "Sincerely" by Atwell. Comes with a b/w magazine photo of Atwell's head affixed. Autograph sentiment signed "Sincerely in blue ink/Winifred Atwell". 6¼x4¾, with 2¾x3¼ b/w clipped magazine photo of Atwell's head affixed.
Sale Price $90.00
$100.00
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GENE AUSTIN - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED CIRCA 1937 - HFSID 225624GENE AUSTIN Signed Autograph Sentiment on an album leaf, with a magazine photo attached Autograph Sentiment signed: "Sincerely/Gene Austin", 6x4 album leaf. Magazine photo (b/w, 1x2) affixed in lower right. Pencil note (unknown hand) at left edge: "Studio Theater Vine St. Mar. 7, 1937.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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PATTI AUSTIN - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 347455PATTI AUSTIN The R&B singer who recorded numerous charting albums for decades signed this index card in blue felt tip Autograph Sentiment Signed: "Love/ Patti Austin". 5x3 index card. Patti Austin (b. 1950) released her debut album, End of a Rainbow, in 1976.
Sale Price $90.00
$100.00
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FRANKIE AVALON - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 83421FRANKIE AVALON Frankie Avalon signs an index card in blue ink with "All the Best". Autograph Sentiment signed: "All the Best/Frankie Avalon ", 5x3 index card. Unlike some of the heavily marketed "teen idols" who ruled youth-oriented American radio between Elvis and The Beatles, Avalon had a real music background.
Sale Price $72.00
$80.00
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HARRY BABBITT - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 09/05/1988 - HFSID 209379HARRY BABBITT The former lead singer of Kay Kyser's band extends his best wishes Autograph Sentiment signed: "Best Wishes,/Harry Babbitt/Sept. 5 '88", 5x3, Ink signature on card with ornate printed border.
Sale Price $126.00
$140.00
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GABRIEL BACQUIER - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 208522GABRIEL BACQUIER Signed autograph sentiment (in French) Autograph Sentiment signed: "Cordialement/votre[Cordially yours]/Gabriel Bacquier", 5x3 card. French operatic baritone Gabriel
Sale Price $72.00
$80.00
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PEARL BAILEY - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 143PEARL BAILEY The Jazz and Broadway star signs on a 5x4 card Autograph Sentiment Signed: "love/Pearl Bailey", 5x4 card. Printed picture affixed at top corner. BAILEY (1918-1990), a jazz singer and Broadway star, made her Broadway debut in 1946, in the musical St. Louis Woman; her performance resulted in an award for most promising newcomer.
Sale Price $90.00
$100.00
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PEARL BAILEY - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 24662PEARL BAILEY Jazz and Broadway star Bailey signs a 5x3 card Autograph Sentiment Signed: "All my love/Pearl Bailey", 5x3 card. BAILEY (1918-1990), a jazz singer and Broadway star, made her Broadway debut in 1946, in the musical St. Louis Woman; her performance resulted in an award for most promising newcomer.
Sale Price $90.00
$100.00
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PEARL BAILEY - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 06/26/1948 CO-SIGNED BY: PAMELA BROWN - HFSID 143568PEARL BAILEY and PAMELA BROWN Bailey and Brown sign a 4½x3¾ pink album leaf Autograph Sentiment Signed: "My best/Pearl Bailey" and, on verso, "Pamela/Brown", 4½x3¾ album leaf. Dated in ink (unknown hand): "26-6-48." at lower right margins of both sides.
Sale Price $90.00
$100.00
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ISOBEL BAILLIE - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 112307ISOBEL BAILLIE Her handwritten sentiment on a 3x2 card Autograph Sentiment signed: "Sincerely/Isobel Baillie", 3x2 card. Scottish concert and opera singer Isobel Baillie (1895-1983) debuted with the Halle Orchestra in 1921, and in London two years later.
Sale Price $81.00
$90.00
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BONNIE "WEE BONNIE" BAKER - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 224521BONNIE “WEE BONNIE” BAKER The talented big band vocalist pens her name and a sentiment on this album leaf Autograph Sentiment signed: “Best Wishes/ Bonnie Baker” in blue ink, 6x4½. Newspaper photograph, b/w, 2x2½, affixed beneath signature.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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JOSEPHINE BAKER - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 1973 - HFSID 165974JOSEPHINE BAKER Sentiment and signature from the great jazz singer, dated in 1973 Autograph Sentiment Signed: "Yours/Josephine Baker/1973", 3x2½. Flamboyant dancer and jazz singer Josephine Baker (1906-1975) first attracted attention in the all-Black musical revue Shuffle Along (1921).
Sale Price $450.00
$500.00
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KAYE BALLARD - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 324911KAYE BALLARD Ballard signs her name in black ink with love on a sheet bearing a Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids stamp Autograph Sentiment Signed: "Love/Kaye Ballard/x", in black ink, 5½x8½. Ballard has drawn a smiley face inside the 'A' of 'Kaye'.
Sale Price $90.00
$100.00
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KAYE BALLARD - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 297496KAYE BALLARD The comedian signs and draws her face on a 5x3 card. Autograph Sentiment signed: "Best Always/Kaye Ballard/xx", 5x3 card. Singer-comedian Ballard (1925-2019) appeared from the late 1940s with the bands of Spike Jones, Vaughan Monroe and Stan Kenton.
Sale Price $126.00
$140.00
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ROSE BAMPTON - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED 03/1942 - HFSID 156382ROSE BAMPTON The American soprano sends her autograph on the verso of a penny postal card. Autograph Sentiment signed: "Cordially/Rose Bampton/March 1942" on verso of postal card, 5½x3¼. 1-cent imprinted Martha Washington postal card, postmarked New York, New York, March 16, 1942.
Sale Price $126.00
$140.00
