Ellington, Duke. (1899-1974)

"May you never be Mood Indigo" - Autograph Quotation Signed

An autograph signed quotation from the great jazz pianist and composer, who has inscribed and penned a reference to perhaps his most famous song, "May you never be Mood Indigo." Together with the original typed envelope, postmarked May 23, 1934. On a small slip, 3.75 x 7.25 inches, together with a reproduction postcard photograph. Fine.

"Mood Indigo" (1930) is a jazz composition and song, with music by Duke Ellington and Barney Bigard with lyrics by Irving Mills. Ellington's biographer, Terry Teachout, described it as "an imperishable classic, one of a handful of songs that come to mind whenever Ellington's name is mentioned anywhere in the world". Originally titled "Dreamy Blues," the tune was composed for a radio broadcast in October 1930 and was "the first tune I ever wrote specially for microphone transmission," Ellington recalled. "The next day wads of mail came in raving about the new tune, so Irving Mills put a lyric to it." Renamed "Mood Indigo," it became a jazz standard. (14326)

Signature Jazz