Written by
William Morris Agency, American, 1898 - 2009
Signed by
Wright, Richard, American, 1908 - 1960
Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984
Subject of
Louis, Joe, American, 1914 - 1981
Date
1941
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)
Description
A single-paged letter to Count Basie from Richard Wright with a contract concerning royalties and shared monies for the collaboration on the song "King Joe," about the boxer Joe Louis. The document is typed on white paper with a William Morris Agency letterhead. Across the top is printed [NEW YORK LONDON CHICAGO HOLLYWOOD] with two holes punched at center. At top center is the William Morris logo and address for the New York office. The letter is dated [November 14, 1941,] and is addressed to [Count Basie, New York, New York,] It is signed [Very truly yours,] with Richard Wright's signature at center right. At left below Wright's signature is Count Basie's signature with a header reading [AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED']. At bottom center is printed [CABLE: "WILLMORRIS" NEW YORK. "WILLHOLLY" HOLLYWOOD]. The reverse of the document is blank.
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Documents and Manuscripts
Type
contracts
Topic
Business
Communication
Jazz (Music)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Paxton and Rachel Baker
Object number
2014.3.20.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ecbfd22a-a45b-4691-a30c-7d62e738d310

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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