OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II | Oscar Hammerstein II. Autograph fair copy of the lyrics for "Ol' Man River" and other material

Property from the Collection of Elsie and Philip Sang

OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

TWO LETTERS, ONE INCLUDING AN AUTOGRAPH FAIR COPY OF THE LYRICS FOR "OL' MAN RIVER" 

Autograph letter signed ("Oscar Hammerstein"), 2 pp. comprising letter on the first page and lyrics on the second (10 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 267 x 164 mm) on his Highland Farm letterhead (both sheets), Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 10 March 1941, to "Mr. Upton"; fine condition — Typed letter signed ("Oscar"), 1 p. (8 1/2 x 7 1/8 in.; 216 x 181 mm), on his letterhead, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 22 June 1953, To P. G. Wodehouse; removed from album with glue residue and black paper on verso of upper margin.

Oscar Hammerstein II transcribes and signs "Ol' Man River," perhaps his greatest lyric. Hammerstein made the fair copy of the great Show Boat show-stopper in 1941 for a Mr. Upton. In the cover letter, he apologizes for the delay in making and sending the transcription.

In Hammerstein's letter to P. G. Wodehouse ("Plum"), he thanks the author for suggesting a story by Patricia Salmon for a possible stage treatment. He goes on to give Plum news of their mutual physician, Dr. Hyman. While Hammerstein contributed lyrics and Jerome Kern music for Show Boat (1927), a Kern/Wodehouse song, "Bill," was also included in the show. 

Also included with the lot are two autograph notes signed and a signed contract by Oscar Hammerstein II's grandfather, impresario Oscar Hammerstein I.