"My! My! Didn't that show kill 'em!!!!?!" - Two Signed Letters

Pair of letters from the American dancer and actor to Sammy Berk, a former vaudeville entertainer who managed Cab Calloway, Jonah Jones, and Duke Ellington.  The first letter (autograph letter signed; "Saturday," otherwise undated; 1 p. on personal stationary) reads in full "Dear Sam, / Thanks for your letter.  I was very glad to hear from you. / Give my best to the great Jonah and to the boys – please.  I miss him a lot. / It was sure a great time we all had.  My!  My!  Didn't that show kill 'em!!!!?!  Don't know when I'll be able to get at another one but when I do – I sure hope to get Jonah! / All best Sam / -Fred."  The letter almost certainly refers to An Evening with Fred Astaire, the 1958 NBC television special that featured the Jonah Jones Quartet, revived Astaire's career, and won a staggering nine Emmy awards.  Vertical and horizontal mailing crease, overall in very good condition.  5.5 x 7 inches (14 x 17.8 cm.).

The second letter (typed letter signed; July 27, 1960; 1 p. on personal stationary) thanks Berk for sending on a copy of Jones's recent album, A Touch of Blue.  In full, "Dear Sam: / Thank you so much for sending me the Jonah Jones album, 'A Touch of Blue.'  I think it is a knockout. / I hope Jonah and I will get together again sometime but for the moment my coming show is routined. / With all best. / As ever yours, / [Signature] / FRED ASTAIRE."  The coming show he references is evidently Astaire Time, the second follow-up to An Evening with Fred Astaire.  Vertical and horizontal mailing crease, vertical tear to upper margin, separation along right edge of horizontal crease, overall in very good condition.  5.75 x 9 inches (14.6 x 22.9 cm.). (19247)

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Signed Photograph

Autograph Letter

Jazz

Dance

• Sold