“ONE OF THE FINEST PALS THAT I’VE EVER HAD”: FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS INSCRIBED BY SATCHMO TO HIS LOVER WILLA MAE LANE

ARMSTRONG, Louis. Four inscribed photographs. New York, circa 1939-42. Four original photographs of various sizes. $2500.

Four original photographs of Armstrong wonderfully inscribed by him to his lover Willa Mae Lane.

The four inscriptions read: “To my good friend Brown Sugar, From Satch;” “I’ll always care for you, From Pops;” “To my Best Pal Willa Mae Lane, From Pops;” and “To Willa Mae Lane, one of the finest pals that I’ve ever had. Best wishes, From Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong.” Armstrong knew cabaret dancer Willa Mae Lane from his engagements at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Willa Mae had begun her career in a dance act with her sister Jeni LeGon, working the clubs in the Midwest before landing the job at the famous Harlem club. Her dancing prowess was featured in the 1939 movies Pocomania and The ’Devils Daughter. Also included are three publicity shots of Willa Mae. A wonderful collection from the estate of Willa Mae Lane.

Generally near-fine.