Tony Glover's archive of materials associated with John P. Hammond, highlighted by four handwritten letters; two audio cassette tapes of their 1970 interview; and a 1/4 audio tape reel with recordings of Long John Hammond from 1962 and 1964, with a track listing handwritten by Glover inside. These letters reveal their close relationship; they had previously visited Woody Guthrie together with Bob Dylan. The letters date from 1962-63, and boast excellent musical content from his fledgling career:
On June 8, 1962, he writes: "Thanks a lot for the correspondence I really think a lot of the 'Little Sandy Review.' I got a hold of 'Really! The Country Blues' and I must say there were only about 4 tracks on it that I liked. Son House reminded me a great deal of Robert Johnson—but not as good…I've been working on some RJ stuff (with the bottle) and have come up with a pretty good emulation of one of his runs—it's from 'Whirling Blues.' I've also been working on the simultaneous harp-guitar and I'm fairly proficient even at that."
On September 28, 1962, in part: "There is so much red tape to everything. This agency has been too much…They got me a '55 Ford for $575—a nice car… they got me auditions for 'The Doby Gillis Show'??? The 'Red Skelton Show'—soon 'The Steve Allen Show.' But the point is this: I owe shit do I owe man! I have had to join 3 unions so far: AFTRA—for the album—$200 initiation. AF of M - for Guitar & Harp—$115. AGVA for Night Clubs—$150…My guitar has held up very well—the tone gets better with every passing day. I now have a complete collection of harps—but no classy case like yours baby!"
On October 12, 1962, he writes: "I still haven't cut the fucking LP yet—but time is running out on the SOB at Decca—and if he doesn't come up with something soon fuck it and I leave for unknown pastures…I have heard NO news about the television show—no word from Dylan since I've written him 3 letters—and sent him a song of mine. I'll be backing up the great blues singer 'Long Gone Miles' next week on a 45 R&B record playing harp…I'm hip for M. Honer marine band harps man!" He goes on to pen the lyrics for two original songs, "Bad Luck Blues" and "Blues for Adel."
On July 10, 1963 [misdated 1962], he writes: "I got to know Jack Elliot—hell of a guy. Dylan doesn't even talk to me anymore. There are not many people in New York…The big news is that I'll be going to Newport this month for the folk festival—I'll be playing in a blues workshop with Miss. John Hurt and Joe if he shows and Ric Von Schmidt."
Additionally includes: an unsigned typed letter; four vintage photographs; four Columbia Records biographies of Hammond (authored by Tony Glover); and various press clippings. In overall very good to fine condition.
From the Tony Glover Collection.
