Mulligan, Gerry. (1927–1996)
Two of Mulligan's Personal Handwritten Address Books
Pair of address books owned and used by the great jazz saxophonist, each fully written in his own hand. The smaller volume, bound in a supple brown leather, is filled with contact details for a multitude of Mulligan's fellow musicians, including: Dave Brubeck, Ornette Coleman, Dizzy and Lorraine Gillespie; trumpeter and composer Mercer Ellington (son of Duke Ellington), Quincy Jones, historian and music critic Nat Hentoff, Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, Dinah Shore, Susan Strasberg, Village Vanguard, Zook Sims, Chet Baker, Chico Hamilton, Clark Terry and the Village Vanguard, and others. Binding worn, edges a little rough but overall in fine condition. 3.5 x 5 inches (8.9 x 12.7 cm.).The larger address book contains alphabetical entries from "B" to "X." Contact details listed for fellow musicians such as Chet Baker, Peggy Lee, Bill Cosby, Fannie Flagg, Cuba (Paquito D'Rivera), Mort Sahl, Cal Tjader, Mingus, Chico Hamilton, Neal Hefti, Michel Legrand, Sérgio Mendes, Maria Muldaur, Mike Nichols, Toots Thielemans, Mel Torme, King Vidor, and Margaret Whiting. A small sheet of paper inserted in the "S" section has contact details for "Zoot." Front cover detached, pages worn on the edges, else fine. 4.5 x 7 inches (11.4 x 17.9 cm.).
Provenance: Gerry and Franca Mulligan Foundation; Guernsey's, Jazz Auction, Feb 20, 2005.
Though Mulligan is primarily known as one of the leading baritone saxophonists in jazz history – playing the instrument with a light and airy tone in the era of cool jazz – he was also a notable arranger, working with Claude Thornhill, Miles Davis, Stan Kenton, and others. Mulligan's pianoless quartet of the early 1950s with trumpeter Chet Baker is still regarded as one of the more important cool jazz groups. Mulligan was also a skilled pianist and played several other reed instruments. (20225)
Signed Document/Item Autograph Document Jazz History & Historiography