American performer and songwriter (1879–1959) best known for co-writing such standards as the baseball anthem, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and “Shine On, Harvest Moon.” Splendid first edition sheet music for “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” 10.5 x 13.5, signed and inscribed on the cover image of singer and songwriter Henry Fink, “To Tom Read, Jack Norworth.” Written in black ink in another hand near the bottom are the ownership(?) initials, “L. G. B.” In fine condition, with scattered light creasing (primarily to edges) and staining, and a few spots of faint foxing and toning.
Written in 1908, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is Norworth’s most long-lasting hit, although he didn’t see a Major League baseball game until 1941. Norworth wrote the lyrics when he passed the Polo Grounds on an elevated train and saw a sign that read “Baseball Today.” The song was first sung by his wife Nora Bayes and popularized by various vaudeville acts. It was common for Tin Pan Alley to print various copies of the same sheet music featuring different photos of vaudeville singers, hence the portrait of Fink on the front cover. Those singers featured on the cover were actively promoting the song and would receive compensation, especially if the song became a hit. It is reported that there were over 30 different covers to this sheet music.
“Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was the number one song in the country for seven weeks in 1908, the longest for any song that year, even though it didn’t chart until October 31, after the 1908 baseball season ended. The song is now traditionally played during the seventh inning stretch during major league games. A true piece of Americana, and the first signed copy we have seen. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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