Collection of (13) Louis Armstrong signed letters and postcards, dated from 1946 through 1968....

Description

Collection of (13) Louis Armstrong signed letters and postcards, dated from 1946 through 1968. Armstrong, married to his fourth wife, Lucille, had a 20-year affair with Lucille "Sweets" Preston, the widow of friend and fellow opening act entertainer Luther "Slim" Preston following his death in 1950. The earliest two letters are written to "Slim and Sweets" and exhibit his deep friendship with the couple. According to Sharon, Armstrong and Sweets started dating immediately following Slim's death, and, in September 1954, Sharon was conceived. In all, the collection includes the following signed Armstrong items: (5) handwritten letters totaling 27 pages; (4) typed signed letters totaling 10 pages; (4) handwritten postcards and a single 8 x 10 in. photograph signed "Satchmo" and "Louis Armstrong," inscribed to "Mother Sweets Baby Sharon To My Darlings whom I Love." In addition, an original private audio reel, approx. 15 minutes in length, is included (with digitally converted CD) being a recording from May 28 1959 when Louis was in Berlin. On the tape Armstong sings "Uncle Satchmo's Lullaby" with 12-year-old German singer Gabriele. Following the recording, Armstrong sends an audio message to young Sharon, telling her that Gabriele reminded him of Sharon, being such a smart and beautiful little girl. The tape concludes with Armstrong's song "Kisses in the Night [in der Nacht]" from the German film Die Nacht vor der Premier (The Night Before the Premier). Also included are (2) signed typed letters from Armstrong's longtime friend, manager and confidante, Joe Glaser; (3) signed typed letters from Armstrong's accountant, David Gold, who both handled the child support payments to Sweet and holiday gifts for Sharon. Condition is varied; from minor soiling and wrinkling to tape stains and minor separation at folds; all exhibits handling. Armstrong's letters express his love, care and lust - all laced with his incredible trademark humor. Some of the colorful racial and sexual language is definitely not for the meek of heart! Some of the highlights from the collection: Typed letter signed ("Louis Armstrong"), to "Dear Darling," 2 pages, on "The Marlborough, Winnipeg, Canada" letterhead, dated 11 November 1954. In part: Those two telephone calls just lifted me up to the highest peek that a man could be lifted to...After going through so much 'sh-t down in Australia with Lucille...You don't have the least idea how happy I was when I heard your sweet (cute) lil' voice say hello...My My My...I was really in the dumps...All she and I did was argue about you...She stopped off in Honolulu, and when I got here I sat myself down and told her, there's no need of she, or no one trying to sever yours and mine-friendship (I put it just that mild-tee hee) because they're wasting their time...P.S. I hadn't heard the good news concerning my little Satchmo being on its way for two months... Wow...I can hardly wait to be the first to tell her... Oh, she must know...Because she's threatened to divorce me anyway...Now I know she will...You can bet all the tea in China darling - if you have a baby for me, you must have no fear at all...I am so appreciative and all happy over it all the baby must have my name right away....Oh, I'm so proud, right now...Of course I'm so carried away with everything, I forgot to ask you-would you marry me...Hmm?...Yes??...Yes.....I'll see that you'll have money and every comfort there is...now that you know that I'm yours completely, you should be very glad to comply with my every suggestions that I think will be in favor of we-and our baby....Your future husband... Ol' Satchmo Handwritten letter signed ("Louis Armstrong"), to "Dear Darling Sweets," 3 pages, on "Chi-Chi Starlite Room, Palm Springs, California" letterhead, dated 19 October 1959. In part: How are you Darling, I am so hungry for your fine little ass, until I am just Drooling All over as I write this letter. Just to think that I'll soon be taking over your Cherry; Wow, my pr-ck just won't stay down, especially where it should. Tee Hee. Here I am standing on the stage at this fine club where nothing but the Elite & (Rich) folks are thrilling to our music. And here I am standing as straight as an arrow, blowing my Black Ass off and my prick - standing up just like a soldier, from thinking of you and your fine buns. Isn't love wonderful? Although I am sending you our route sheet I personally picked out the time & places that you & Sharon should dig me. It is marked off, but if you should figure different just let me know and it can be changed. But you & Sharon must have some kind of vacation with me somewheres every year...Will send extra money in case you two chicks will like to buy a little something... Handwritten letter signed ("Louis Armstrong"), to "Dear Sweets," 12 pages, on "Sheraton - Tenney Inn at La Guardia Airport" letterhead, dated 27 November 1965. In part: First, I want you to know that I love you & Sharon dearly and from the bottom of my heart; and always will. I'm Hip that you two Chicks Dig this. With all the commitments that I go through these days, you'll have to understand in order for you (especially) will realize what I have to go through for you & myself's future. I realize it hasn't been easy for your & myself as far as being together's concerned. But when you get to yourself and sum things up, we aren't doing so bad. It could be worst. The only thing's missing is that I am starving to see you and be with you more moments that you may think. But Joe Glaser is our Jesus and he feels that I should make it now, which will be better for our older days. That's why he suggested that you should get your check from his office. Then there won't be any hic ups on Lucille's part who would rather be bit by a Leppard than to hear your name. She is so envious of you it isn't funny...To me it is a case of wounded vanity. Always you must remember if I ever get rid of that evil, selfish Bitch - whether you want me or not, you will have to marry me. I pray to God everyday for that moment... Give Sharon a big kiss. Tell her if she's forgotten ol Satchmo, I don't blame her. I feel she's too young to understand. Regardless, I love her and I am saving money especially for her college education... as long as ol Satchmo lives, her happiness is assured. Always let Sharon know that you & I are behind her all through life... All I need is to get to you, have one of those torrid sessions that you usually 'lay on me' and what I am looking forward to, 'Hmm, Girl' I'd run away with that part. Of course, you are so nice and probably forgotten our Torrid Moments in life. But if you will look back even to the days when you & your husband Slim were on my show in Boston, R.K.O. and you would come down to my dressing room & lounge around in your 'cute little shorts' - you had no idea how my pants would 'breathe', Huh? I'm sure you didn't because I had so much respect for you & Slim. But in Canada, when you told me how Slim's friends acted toward you which I personally thought was wrong. And after a few nips, etc. we came to a conclusion, 'what tha Hell are we waiting on. Well, I don't have to go into what happened then. And what has happened since then. What you've been ever since Darling. And the way I see it, I am heading for retirement. So let Joe Glaser handle it, you can't go wrong...Joe Glaser is looking out for our happiness in the later years. P.S. I've had a few V.O. on the rocks and I'm just in the mood to pour my heart out to you. Which all means Cool it honey. You are in good company...I mentioned these things so you should never get upset at no time. Other than I'm not around like I should to take care of your Ass. But don't think I ain't wishing and hoping. But you've got the Best C-nt in the world and God knows it. I love you madly. A Kiss for Mother too. Your next husband. Handwritten letter signed ("Louis Armstrong"), to "Dear Sweets & Sharon," 4 pages, on "Satchmo" letterhead with trumpet motif, dated 12 June 1968. This being the last letter in the collection. In part: I am so happy to know that you two girls Dig my 'ole Buns so Righteously until I am the happiest man in the world. Then too, I am only Human. With all sorts of commitments including blowing the horn & singing my ass off. Don't you all get the least idea that I don't love you All's dirty drawers. Cuz I do...I'll never be able to explain the choice moments I had the night that I ate at you alls' home. The warmth and the nice & lovely people in it. You & my fine gal Sharon, stay that way girls. You have nothing to squawk about. The only thing that's missing is Mee! Huh, that can come later...I could be lazy just like the other people whom you & I came up with in 'Show Bizness' through the years and we all would be starving to death. Nay Nay not my Sweets & my Sharon. Sharon may not realize now what I mean to her & doing for her but I am sure as she matures she'll Dig Pops as the man who'll be loving her until the day he dies, or she dies. That's sincerity and from the heart stuff. Sweets, enclosed Five hundred dollars for Sharon's [musical] instrument, and here's an extra two hundred dollars for yourself. Maybe you'll see something you might way to buy. God knows - I love you both madly. From your boy - An unprecedented and never-before-offered collection consigned directly from Louis Armstrong's daughter, Sharon.

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