SIGNED BY “SATCHMO” AND VELMA MIDDLETON

(ARMSTRONG, Louis). (MIDDLETON, Velma). Document signed (concert program). No place: No publisher, no date [1957]. Quarto, original stiff glossy photographic wrappers, staple-bound as issued; pp. 16. $1650.

Vintage concert program booklet, illustrated with numerous black-and-white photographs, signed in green ink on the front cover “Satchmo, Louis Armstrong,” further signed by singer Velma Middleton at her photograph.

“Louis Armstrong and but three or four others are preeminent in the history of jazz. His importance in the development of this art form has gained greater, almost universal, recognition in the years since his death as scholars and musicians reevaluate his contributions as a soloist, composer, band leader and role model. The measure of his impact on the social history of 20th-century America also seems to be greater now as he gains recognition for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, for his actions as a thoughtful spokesman for black Americans, as a significant writer of autobiography, as an entertainer of stature and as a singer responsible for the development of major trends in American popular and jazz singing” (ANB). “Satchmo” signed the cover of this souvenir program booklet, obtained at a September 21, 1957 concert near Sioux City, Iowa. The cover depicts the trumpeter with his horn under his arm and its case in his hand; the booklet features numerous black-and-white images of Armstrong and his fellow musicians. Armstrong’s long-time singer Velma Middleton has signed the booklet at her photograph on page [14]. Concert seating ticket laid in. Previous owner’s ink annotation to front cover, affecting neither Armstrong’s image nor signature.

Interior with slight marginal soiling to page [3]. Only light soiling to wrappers. A very nearly fine piece of jazz memorabilia, desirable signed by Middleton and Armstrong.