"Sweet Adeline" - Autograph Musical Quotation on a Souvenir Brochure

Autograph musical quotation of the beloved barbershop standard "Sweet Adeline," penned by its composer Harry Armstrong on the cover of a souvenir brochure containing "Pathos—Laughs—Facts" about the song and its publication. To the left of his portrait on the cover, Armstrong has penned two measures of the famous song with an inscription, and dated February 6, 1950. The inside pages of the brochure feature explain the history of the song and its most famous performances and recordings; Armstrong has updated the list with a 1950 appearance. The final page shows a facsimile of the Library of Congress receipt for the manuscript of the song. Folding creases and some light toning; overall fine. 8.5 x 11 inches (21.6 x 27.8 cm).

"(You're the Flower of My Heart,) Sweet Adeline" is a ballad best known as a barbershop standard. It was first published in 1903, with lyrics by Richard Husch Gerard to music by Harry Armstrong, from a tune he had written in 1896 at the age of 18. According to a 1928 newspaper story, the lyrics were inspired "by a girl who worked at the music counter of a New York department store." After failing to find a publisher with the initial title, "You're the Flower of My Heart, Sweet Rosalie", the two allegedly decided a new title was in order and were inspired by a poster advertising the farewell tour of opera singer Adelina Patti. The song did not become a hit until it was performed in 1904 by the group The Quaker City Four. (15624)

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AMQS

Signed Document/Item

Song

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