DS, signed “Charles Mingus, Jr.,” one page, 8.5 x 11, May 5, 1941. Document submitted to the board of directors of the Local 767 of the American Federation of Musicians. In part: “I herewith request permission to withdraw the claim which I have filed against Fred Skinner, relative to the Cafe Capri engagement.” Signed at the conclusion by Mingus, document bears a stamped signature of Florence Cadrez as a witness, who also writes at the top, “5-5-41 Board granted permission for withdrawal of claim. F. Cadrez.” A couple small tears and toning to edges, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a photocopy of Mingus’s claim. The initial claim to which Mingus refers was filed on April 25th and states that he was hired to play with Fred Skinner’s Band at Billy Berg’s Club Capri for one week, but after an argument with Skinner, was fired. He claims that he was only paid for five days and is due payment for the final two. Two weeks after filing the claim, Mingus presumably calmed down and decided to drop the claim rather than fortify the wall between himself and yet another fellow musician. Also signed by the union’s recording secretary, jazz composer and pianist Florence Cadrez, a celebrity in her own right, this document captures the calm after the storm—a moment of retreat from the jazz legend who lived on the attack. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by Real
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
