(LITERATURE.) Group of Langston Hughes ephemera, including his signed postcard and letter to pianist Margaret Bonds. 6 items, various sizes; condition strong. Various places, circa 1940-1966
This collection mostly relates to the relationship between author Langston Hughes and his musical collaborator, the pianist Margaret Bonds (1913-1972). Includes:
Postcard addressed by Hughes to Bonds in New York. The postcard shows composer Stephen Collins Foster, with the words to Foster's "Old Kentucky Home" printed on verso. Hughes has crossed out the song's three uses of the word "darkies,' and added a short note below: "See ya Saturday. Have been busy working. Larry." Danville, KY, 20 September 1944.
Letter Signed from Hughes to Bonds in New York. One page, 8½ x 5½ inches. "I was DE-lighted with the Ballad's royalty report. I'm taking copies to the Dakar Festival and elsewhere in Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya) when I leave in a couple of weeks. And will keep a good thought in mind for recording. . . . The Berlin Opera has finally put The Barrier on its schedule for the Berlin Festival in 1967. They have about a half dozen Negro singers on their roster." With stamped and postmarked envelope. New York, 4 March 1966.
Letter Signed from Hughes's secretary George H. Bass to Margaret Bonds, on Langston Hughes letterhead. One page, 8½ x 5½ inches. "We improve on our presentation of The Negro Speaks of Rives with each performance, maybe one day we will do it as well as mortals might do such an immortal work. . . . We are swamped with work, but for this we should be thankful, which we are, and try not to complain--I suspect that our complaining is reversed bragging or a means of projecting modesty." New York, 15 October 1962.
Promotional flier for "Margaret Bonds, Pianist," 10¼ x 7 inches, with her portrait on one side and promotional text on verso, featuring an endorsement by Langston Hughes, "Famous Poet and Lyricist." New York: Dick Campbell Concerts, circa 1940.
Program for "The Committee for the Negro in the Arts Presents 'Just a Little Simple," a New Dramatic Revue based on Langston Hughes' 'Simple Speaks his Mind.'" 4 mimeograph pages, 8½ x 7 pages, on 2 folding sheets. New York, circa 1950.
Unused postcard advertising a meeting of the New York Society for Ethical Culture "in observance of Negro History Week," with Langston Hughes listed as one of 4 speakers. New York, 9 February 1953.
