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THBBillie Holiday Autograph Letter Signed on Being Fired from Count Basie's Band: "I would never sing again, but I still have Mama to take care of"
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About Auction
LiveFeb 22, 2024
RR Auction's first-ever February installment of its Remarkable Rarities series brings some 50+ pieces of history to the auction block, representing the most elusive and extraordinary items offered all year. RR Auction support@rrauction.com
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- Lot Description
ALS signed “Billie,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 6.5, February 11, 1938. Handwritten letter to "Hotch," emotionally explaining that she has lost her gig with Count Basie's orchestra. In full (spelling and grammar retained): "Just a line to say I hope you will try to be very happy on your birthday even tho you are in school. Now for the bad news. I’ve lost my job with Count Basie. I got my three weeks’ notice in the mail yesterday. Willard said he had too let me go because he had to cut down on expense, but that’s not it. I cussed John Hammond out at rehearsal before we went in Iowa State, an after that he gave a party but I wasn’t there. We haven’t spoke. An another thing, I owe him some money an haven’t been able to pay him. Well, I didn’t accept the three weeks’ notice, and when the band left this morning I was sleep because I could never sing with the band again. I would never sing again, but I still have Mama to take care of. Well, honey, right now I am as low as a snake, don’t know what I am going to do, but I guess something will happen, it’s just got too or else I’ll be in the poor house by Tuesday. Gee, I wish I could see someone like you too talk too. Sorry, too have to write all these things down but you’re my friend an I had to tell someone. Will sign off now. Please write soon." In fine condition, with some light soiling to the last page.
An extraordinary emotional note from the young singer, who was just 22 years old and had begun singing with Count Basie's band in late 1937. Various reasons have been given for why Holiday was fired by Count Basie in 1938: she was reportedly temperamental and unreliable, and refused to adapt her style to the band's. Jimmy Rushing, Basie’s male vocalist, called her unprofessional, while Count Basie himself said that 'she knew how she wanted to sound and you couldn't tell her what to do.' She is also said to have complained of low pay and poor working conditions. This letter, however, implies some tension between Holiday and the impresario John Hammond—the record producer and talent scout who 'discovered' her in 1933—and also an issue of a bad debt held by the singer.
In spite of the difficult situation, she expresses some optimism, writing: "I guess something will happen, it’s just got too or else I’ll be in the poor house by Tuesday." She would be hired by bandleader Artie Shaw within a month, placing her among the first black women to work with a white orchestra. A unique and moving handwritten letter from Holiday’s early, tempestuous life and career. - Shipping Info
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