Kern, Jerome. (1885–1945)
Signed Copyright Renewal for some of his earliest songs
DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, August 10, 1931. An assignment of United States copyright for the songs "He'll Be There," "The Downcast Eye", and "Susan" from the 1904 shows 'English Daisy' and 'Mr. Wix of Wickham.' In part: “In consideration of the sum of One Dollar and other valuable considerations, to me in hand paid....I, Mr. Jerome Kern…does hereby sell, assign, transfer and set over unto T. B. Harms Company the renewal copyrights of following compositions..." Signed by Kern at the conclusion. The document is affixed to its original 8.5 x 12.5 “Assignment of Copyright” blue paper jacket; stapled to the left side of the page is an 8 x 4 card entitled “Copyright Office of the United States of America The Library of Congress” acknowledging assignment of the copyright, with the its bright red seal and blue ribbons attached. In fine condition.At the very beginning of his celebrated career, while in London, Kern secured a contract from the American impresario Charles Frohman to provide songs for interpolation in Broadway versions of London shows. He began to provide these additions in 1904 to British scores for An English Daisy, by Seymour Hicks and Walter Slaughter, and Mr. Wix of Wickham, for which he wrote most of the songs. As copyright renewals are necessary after 27 years, Kern here satisfies that standard legal obligation at a time that he was at the pinnacle of fame as a Hollywod composer. (14652)
Song Signed Document/Item