Louis Armstrong
Haston, KS, August 18, 1938
Louis Armstrong "En route to Hollywood" To Make It Big, Signed "Trumpet'blowingly Yours," Superb!
TLS

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971). Typed letter signed, "Louis Armstrong," 2pp, on two separate sheets of his yellow-colored "Satchmo" stationery measuring 8.5" x 11", Haston, Kansas, August 18, 1938. Blank at versos. Expected transmittal folds and creases. Minor separation at edges of most folds, not affecting text. Toning and scattered soiling. Pinholes at top and bottom left corners exhibit some faint rust staining. In near fine condition with a lovely signature.

Armstrong writes to his good friend, Elmer Lewis, while "Enroute to Hollywood." His letter captures Armstrong's playful conversational style and shows how he actually spoke outside of performances and interviews.

Highlights:

- Para. 1: "'I know you've wonder'd what on earth has happen'd to Ol' Satchmo - he's taking so long to answer your very fine letter...'Eh?...'Well 'Gate' you have no idea how they have been bouncing me around the country like 'Adagio Dancers...Ha...Ha...But I always said to myself - that I was going to write 'Elmer 'Welmer' - if the very last thing I do...So here it is 'palsy'walsy..."

"Satchmo" is a contraction of "satchel mouth." The nickname was originally a descriptive comment on his exceptionally large, wide mouth and grin. Armstrong loved this snappy contraction, adopting it for the rest of his life. He used it as the title of his second autobiography, had it inscribed on his trumpets, and printed it on his personal stationery, as seen on the here offered letter.

- Para. 3: "Well - what are you doing to yourself and for yourself these hot days?...I'll bet you just stays in the water at the beach 'Eh?...I know I do...'Man it's been so hot up in Harlem - until We 'Cats were too lazy to put on our bathing suits...Ha...Ha...We'd just lay around the house and wished we were in swimmin...'No Foolin...And they tell me - it's still hot in New York..."

Armstrong mentions the heat in Harlem, where he lived for much of his life. Harlem was the heart of the Jazz Age's musical scene and Armstrong made a huge impact during the 1920s and 1930s Harlem Renaissance, which extended beyond musical performance. He inspired African American writers, poets, and visual artists with the expressive freedom of his playing.

- Para. 4: "I am on my way out to Hollywood California to make a picture with Dick Powell...And while my car is traveling at the rate of eighty miles per hour I am writing this letter to you...Now you know - I really write to you bad...'Think So?...I couldn't wait until I get to California...I said to myself - that I'd waited long enough, although it was'nt my falt - and here is a fine time - where I won't be disturbed by my Manager'N' nobody else...The trip is luvely..."

Armstrong says he is traveling to Hollywood to make a picture with Dick Powell (1904-1963), who was a lead actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and studio head. Armstrong and Powell famously collaborated in "Going Places" (1938) where Powell plays a plucky salesman, while Armstrong steals the show in a memorable supporting role as Gabriel, a stable boy who croons to a skittish racehorse to calm him down. In the film, Armstrong premiered the popular jazz standard "Jeepers Creepers," which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1938.

- Para. 6: "I don't know yet - just what part I'm to play in Mr Powell's Flicker...I do hope it's a Comical'one...I love to do Comedy for those Picture Stars...Something like the part I had in Papa Bing's Picture...Remember Pennies?...When I get to California I am going to mail you a photo of myself...I have some here with me - but they're packed up and I won't be able to get to them until I get there...But pal I give you my word - I will surely see that you get one..."

"Papa Bing" was a common nickname for Bing Crosby (1903-1977). Armstrong references to "the part I had in Papa Bing's Picture," and "Remember Pennies?" is most certainly a reference to "Pennies from Heaven" (1936), which starred Crosby as Larry Poole and Armstrong as Henry. He notably performed the delightfully spooky musical number "Skeleton in the Closet" and played a duet with Crosby.

- Para. 9: "I am to meet my orchestra somewhere's in Texas after I finish this picture - so you see 'Gate' it'll be a long time before I put my big feet on New York soils again...Ha...Ha...So write me here in California...and send it to the Olga Hotel...Speaking of Dr Rhythm - Bea Lillie certainly was swell in it...She 'knocks' me out anyway...Even on the radio - stage as well..."

Beatrice Lillie (1894-1989) was a Canadian-born British actress, singer, and comedy performer, who starred in the 1938 film "Doctor Rhythm" alongside Bing Crosby. The film is based on the 1907 short story The Badge of Policeman O'Roon by O. Henry. The "Olga Hotel" was a premier luxury hotel in Harlem which served as a vital, desegregated sanctuary for African American celebrities, athletes, and travelers who were barred from white-owned establishments. Armstrong called the Hotel Olga home for most of the 1930s, staying there while touring and throughout much of his residency in New York.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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