Monk, Thelonious Sphere. (1917 - 1982)
Monk sells the rights to ‘52nd Street Theme’ - Signed Contract
Scarce signed document from the influential American jazz pianist, composer and arranger who had a highly unique improvisational style and who made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire, including "Epistrophy", "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", "Straight, No Chaser" and "Well, You Needn't." Considered one of the most important, and eccentric, figures in modern jazz, he spent most of his life in New York City, playing in nightclubs; in the 1940s, he was one of the first players of bebop.DS, signed “Thelonious S. Monk,” one page, 8.5 x 11, February 18, 1946. Agreement between Monk and Monogram Music Company for “the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) and other good and valuable considerations to it in hand paid” to “hereby transfer, set ever and assign…rights, title and interest in and to the following musical composition…Nameless, Class E Unp.#371340.” Creasing, staple holes, and two punch holes to the upper portion, and several tears of varying sizes to left and right edges (some repaired with toned tape), otherwise very good condition; Monk’s bold signature remains unaffected. Initially copyrighted as ‘Nameless’ in 1944, Monk later changed the name to ‘Bip Bop,’ a hipper and more attractive song title that found great success on Manhattan’s 52nd Street as a closing signature tune for many jazz groups; this popularity ultimately led to the song’s second and final name revision, ‘52nd Street Theme.’ Despite being its creator, Monk never recorded the song. A unique and boldly signed contract chronicling the little-known evolution of a Midtown mainstay. (12126)
Signature Jazz