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Charles Mingus

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Charles Mingus

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Auction Date:2012 Aug 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Influential jazz bassist and composer (1922–1979) whose complex, innovative works meld elements of jazz, classical, and gospel. DS, signed “Charles Mingus, Jr,” one page, 8.25 x 11, May 5, 1941. Document sent to the Board of Directors of his union. In full: “I herewith request permission of the Board to withdraw the claim which I have filed against Fred Skinner, relative to the Café Capri engagement. Thanking you in advance, I remain Fraternally yours.” Document has been witnessed with a stamped signature of Florence Cadrez, who also writes at the top, “5-5-41 Board granted permission for withdrawal of claim. F. Cadrez.” In very good condition, with scattered toning, a bit heavier to edges and a few small edge tears. Accompanied by a photocopy of Mingus’s claim.

Charles Mingus truly embodied the ferocious expressive power of jazz, not only with his extraordinary musical skill, but also with his volatile personality and fearsome temperament, which earned him the nickname ‘The Angry Man of Jazz.’ Directed often at members of his band and occasionally at audiences, his violent temper led to many on-stage eruptions and unpredictable dismissals, making him incredibly hard to work with. The initial claim to which Mingus refers was filed on April 25th and states that he was hired to play with Fred Skinner’s Band at Billy Berg’s Club Capri for one week, but after an argument with Skinner, was fired. He claims that he was only paid for five days and is due payment for the final two. Two weeks after filing the claim, Mingus presumably calmed down and decided to drop the claim rather than fortify the wall between himself and yet another fellow musician. Also signed by the union’s Recording Secretary, jazz composer and pianist Florence Cadrez, a celebrity in her own right, this document captures the calm after the storm—a moment of retreat from the jazz legend who lived on the attack.