Fabulous archive of Jazz legend Louis Armstrong mentoring an aspiring singer/songwriter with four signed letters, including one autographed letter signed "ricely and chickenly yours, Louis Armstrong." The letters were mainly written in the late 40s when Armstrong was coming off of his most grueling tour schedules. He formed Louis Armstrong and His All Stars. The band, which had a rotating cast of "all stars," first included Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard, Earl Hines, and Big Sid Catlett. The Archive includes: An autographed letter signed in green pen written from Bop City and dated Sept. 14th, 1949. Armstrong writes in full, "Just a little gift to Gina + Mother + Father. The finest people I've met in a long long time. Hope to see you all soon. Lucille sends love also. Am chicken + Ricely yours, Louis Armstrong." A typed letter signed from Armstrong on yellow "Satchmo" stationery from Fox Theatre in Detroit, Mich. Dated September 17th, 1949. In full the letter reads, "Gina Gina Gina, we're so glad we've seen her, and between Lucille and I, Don't you know? We love Gina's Mother and Father also. Dear Gina: Just finished reading your very fine letter (as usual) and am very happy indeed to know that you and your very lovely family still thinks we're (Lucille and I) are still O.K…of course you all know that we feel the same exact way about you and your family also…We opened here yesterday and the show we're in is very nice and doing real great…We will be here for one week . . . then we will go to Washington, DC to play at some night club there for one week also. It certainly did make me feel very bad to hear you're not feeling so well…because you're always vivacious, etc., which I admire in you greatly . . . So hurry up and get welll [sic] 'You hear?…'Nay Nay…We won't have that…Lucille is not with me…She stayed home until we return…She's so busy getting ready for her trip to Europe …Oh yess [sic]-she's all up in the air over it …I'm happy for her…So Gina my dear - take it easy - and I'm sure everything will turn out alright for you…the most you need is some rest …Maybe you've been going too much…So please remember rest is very important in show business…Love to mama and Papa…Also tell Mama I can hardly wait to get another enchore [sic] of her good good good cooking…'Yea Man' …Am ricely and chickenly yours, Louis Armstrong." A typed letter signed to Mr. Abner Silver of Lincoln Music Corp. dated November 17th, 1950 from Standish Hall Hotel in Hull Quebec, Canada. The letter is typed on ivory "Satchmo" stationary. In full, the letter reads, "Dear Sir; Have been trying to get this opportunity to write you concerning Miss Gina Gardner's tune, On the Train, or the new name, Grand Canyon' - but I have been busier than a 'one leg man going to the Charleston…Gina tells, me that you're willing to add my name to the tune, which pleases me greatly…The tune is really a good one, and should do real big things in this country…You can go ahead and count me in and send me some copies…And you can rest assured-that I will do all that I can to swing it, and put it before my public…Thank you and Miss Gardner very much for even considering me…And regards to Miss Gardner and her wonderful family. I am trumpetly yours, Louis Armstrong." An autographed letter signed to Miss Gina Nirova at the Wellington Hotel in New York postmarked from Syracuse, NY August 12, 1950. Armstrong writes in green pen, "Howdy folks, am still thinking of you + your very lovely family. Will see you soon. Regards, Louis Armstrong." The letter is written on a postcard featuring Armstrong's picture on the front. An 8 x 10 black and white photo of Louis and Lucille Armstrong presumably signed and inscribed by Lucille. Several copies of lyrics and music to Gina Gardner songs. In fine condition. R&R COA.
