ALS signed “Every Body’s Wop,” one page, 5.5 x 8.5, Ambassador Hotels letterhead, no date. Short letter to Jerry Lewis, addressed “Dear Jew.” Sinatra writes: “Foist, Happy New Year! Yesterday on the way Depot. Depot? We passed a store where this was in the window. So I brung it to you. I love ya. Every Bodys Wop.” Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Sinatra’s hand, “Mr. Jerry Lewis,” and signed on the back flap, “F. Sinatra.” In fine condition, with a few light creases to letter, detached flap of envelope taped to reverse, and expected rough edge to envelope from opening.
This letter is so wrong, which makes it so right! Fully handwritten letter and scarce in its own right, this note features the politically incorrect intimacies that could only exist between the closest of friends. Indeed, Lewis and good ol’ Francis Albert ran in the same circle for decades, celebrating life with Hollywood’s elite including, of course, Dean Martin—Lewis’ comedic partner and a founding member of Sinatra’s Rat Pack. But this one is all Frank. Only “Ol’ Blue Eyes” could get away addressing a piece of correspondence “Dear Jew”...and exhibit the same deprecating sense of humor by identifying himself as “Every Bodys Wop,” Though undated, the envelope bears a handwritten date of January 1976. Assuming that’s the new year in question, this letter preceded the historic reunion of Martin and Lewis—facilitated by Sinatra following a 20-year estrangement between the former partners—on Lewis’ Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon that year. One-of-a-kind! Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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