Louis Armstrong
Jacksonville, FL, January 23, 1939
Louis Armstrong From LA to NY, "met my orchestra way down in Baton Rouge," Fresh Off Jeepers Creepers Fame
TLS

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971). Typed letter signed, "Louis 'Satch' Armstrong," 2pp, on two separate sheets of his yellow-colored "Satchmo" stationery measuring 8.5" x 11", Jacksonville, Florida, January 23, 1939. Numerous insertions and emendations in Armstrong's hand. Blank at versos. Expected transmittal folds and creases. Very minor separation at edges of most folds, not affecting text. Toning and light soiling. Faint rust staining from previous paper clips. In near fine condition.

Armstrong writes a personal, playful letter to his good friend, Elmer Lewis, and documents his status as a New York resident, "New York...That's my headquarters," which marked a pivotal moment in the jazz icon's life and career. Musically, he was highly active, notably entering the recording studio for the first time in eight months to track iconic hits for Decca Records, including the classic "Jeepers Creepers" and "What Is That Thing Called Swing?"

Highlights:

- Para. 3: "Am now down here in these parts doing some 'onenightstands (dance dates) for about Ten Days and then we will return to The 'Apple (meaning New York) for some more theatre dates...We are playing in Newark N.J. the week of the Tenth of Feb,...So if you find time take a little drive or a little ride - drop in and see me back stage...Then we will have a little Chat together...Which will knock me out...Infact - I don't see why you have'nt done this before, anyway...I was at the Strand Theatre for two weeks - and I thought sure - you'd stop in to say atleast hello...Me and my dear wife Alpha 'would be more than delighted to 'Run our Mouth's with you for atleast a few minutes anyway..."

"my dear wife Alpha" was Alpha "Alpina" Smith (1906-1960), a young Chicago dancer and devoted fan, who was Armstrong's third wife. She met him in 1925, and following a long affair, the couple married in 1938, ultimately divorcing in 1942. Armstrong was married four times and was incredibly open about his romantic history. He often bragged about his marriages, and famously declared that while he deeply loved his women, his trumpet always came first.

- Para. 5: "Now that we are down here you must'nt pay it no mind incase you decide to drop me a line...You can write to me any time you see fit - at the Olga Hotel 145th, & Lenox Ave, New York...That's my headquarters...Of course you should know that by now...My wife Alpha and our little Dog 'Charm' sent their very best regards to you also...'Gate you must meet them....'Charm is a little Toy Boston Bull Terrie and is the Cutest thing you've ever laid eyes on when it comes to dogs, No foolin..."

Armstrong was a lifelong animal lover and owned several dogs throughout his life. "Our little Dog 'Charm" was a Toy Boston Bull Terrier he owned with Alpha during the 1930s. There was also Peter, a Scotch Terrier Armstrong owned while living in a Southside Chicago apartment earlier in the 1930s; General, a Boston Terrier given to him as a gift by his manager; and Trumpet and Trinket, a male and female pair of Schnauzers that he and his fourth wife, Lucille, kept at their home in Corona, Queens.

-Para. 7: "My trip to Hollywood was really a 'Sender...Dick Powell and the whole Cast from 'Going Places were really swell to me...Really I hated like the dickens to leave there this time...But the show must go on...I left there and met my orchestra way down in Baton Rouge Louisiana...It was nice seeing those 'Cats' after being away from them almost three months...And did we 'Swing - that first night of our dance tour..."

Dick Powell (1904-1963) was a lead actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and studio head who famously collaborated with Armstrong in "Going Places" (1938). 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. 9: "Well Elmer 'Ole 'Deah 'I guess I've about 'Run My Mouth Enough for this writing...So I will say this - the sooner you drop me a line - the sooner you'll make 'Ole Satchmo Smile All Over His Face...And you know 'Gate I have a pretty Broad Smile..."

"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.

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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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
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