Louis Armstrong
Detroit, MI, May 13, 1945
Louis Armstrong Recounts Raunchy Sex Joke in Wartime Letter Just Days After V-E Day, Fantastic!
TLS

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971). Typed letter signed, "Louis Armstrong," 2pp, on two separate sheets of his marigold "Satchmo/Pops" stationery measuring 8.5" x 11", Detroit, Michigan, May 13, 1945. With several insertions and emendations in Armstrong's hand. Blank at versos. Flattened transmittal folds and creases with very minor separation at fold edges. Expected wrinkling throughout, common for mid-20th-century high quality, cotton fiber typing paper. Toning and light soiling. Tiny punctures and negligible rust staining at top left from previous paper clip. In near fine condition and boldly signed.

As World War II is winding down, Armstrong writes a humorous, affectionate letter to his good friend, Elmer Lewis, who is serving in the U.S. Army. Evidently, they haven't communicated for some time, so Armstrong updates Lewis on his new wife and his recent performances.

Highlights:

- Para. 1: "'Man - where in the world have you been?...In the Army...Well well well...They say - when ever you miss someone just look up Uncle Sam's Registry and there he be...Tee Hee...Well Elmer - I don't have to ask you how are you enjoying the Army life...Never mind - don't tell me...Haw haw haw...I do hope you are keeping well and doing the things that the man tells you to do...And that my friend will carry you a long long ways...I've been trying for a long time to dig your where'bouts...And now - thank God I've found you again..."

Elmer Lewis was a longtime personal friend, dedicated correspondent, and avid fan of Armstrong. While he was an ordinary citizen rather than a celebrity, Lewis served an important and supportive role as a sounding board for one of the most famous musicians in American history.

- Para. 2: "As for myself - I'm just about the sameasusual...Still playing my little 'Satchmo Trumpet in fine fashion...We are here this week at the Paradise Theatre knocking ourselves out and everybody else...My show is really jumping...Oh - everything has happened since we last saw each other. I've even gotten married again - tee hee...Well my new wife's name is Lucille...And boy she cuts all three of my former wives a bran new one..."

Lucille Wilson Armstrong (1914-1983) was a Cotton Club dancer and Armstrong's fourth and final wife. Married in 1942, she provided a stable home life and famously convinced him to settle in Corona, Queens. Armstrong 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.

"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. 4: "Dig this - a young man was riding in a Taxi Cab in Chicago and he noticed that there were also a very attractive young lady sitting in the Cab also...So from one conversation to another he noticed she had a very lovely 'odor...And he said - 'Mm-mm - gee but you smell so nice...Whats that you 'Have On?...She said (all blushingly) 'Oh its, some 'Channel NO-5...And just then she gotten a whiff of him so she said - 'Mm-mm you smell rather nice yourself...'Whats that 'You Have On?...And he said - 'Huh - I have nothing but a 'Hard On - but I didn't think you could 'smell it..."

Beyond his musical genius, Armstrong possessed a vibrant, bawdy sense of humor and loved telling off-color jokes. He kept a massive typed scrapbook which was packed with X-rated poems, signifying rhymes, and dirty jokes shared by fellow musicians on the road.

- Para. 5: "Well my friend I guess I'll cutout now...My show is about to hit in a few minutes...Now Elmer - don't forget to keep in touch with me...Give my regards to all the boys in your Camp....And you take good care of yourself...And always remember - you are still my boy...Goodnight and God Bless Ya...Am Pluto Waterly Yours..."

"Pluto Water" was a popular brand of highly concentrated, natural laxative water widely sold in the early-to-mid 20th century. Armstrong was an avid user and enthusiastic proponent of the product, which led him to adopt the quirky, self-deprecating pun as a running gag in his letters.

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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