[African-Americana] Armstrong, Louis. Autograph Letter, signed, and Signed Photograph
Framingham, Massachusetts, August 11, 1967. Two sheets, approximately 8 1/8 x 5 1/8 in. (206 x 130 mm) (sight). Autograph letter on Ceasar's Monticello Motel & Supperclub letterhead, signed by Louis Armstrong to Lester Hyman: "Dear Mr. Hyman Your letter to me was enjoyed no end when I recieved (sic) it this morning. Man my All stars and Myself had a Ball Sunday Swinging For the folks. An Senator Kennedy was right in there Wailing With us. A day--I shall never forget--Blieve (sic) me. P.S. enclosed is a little token that I use and issue out to quite a few Fans From All over the World. And they become 'Very Happy!' And have a lot of Fun...From Satchmo/Louis Armstrong". Creasing from old folds. In mat with an 8 x 10 in. (203 x 254 mm) black and white photograph of Louis Armstrong and his "All Stars", inscribed below image, "Best Wishes to Les From Louis Armstrong." Photo also signed at top left by Cozy Cole, and top right by Earl "Fatha" Hines; both inscriptions faded; image lightly creased. Both items unexamined out frame, 21 1/8 x 15 3/4 in. (536 x 400 mm).
Fine autograph letter signed by American Jazz legend Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong (1901-71) to then Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Lester S. Hyman, also with a personal photograph signed by Armstrong and two members of his famous "All Stars", drummer Cozy Cole (1909-81) and pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines (1903-83).
Hyman (1931-2025) was an American attorney, and longtime influential member of the Democratic Party, in addition to being a close family friend of the Kennedys.
In his book, JFK, The Kennedys and Me, Hyman describes the context of this letter, after Armstrong and his band played for a Democratic campaign event, "...we were able to convince the great Louis Armstrong and his All Stars to give a concert (gratis). Even though only 300 people were there, Mr. Armstrong gave a full concert as he would have given to 30,000 people. He was wonderful...in response to my thank-you-note, I received a hand-written letter from Louis Armstrong...I keep that letter on the wall in my office as one of my most treasured gifts..."
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