Al JOLSON (Singer): Contract for "Swanee."

Description

Jolson, Al. (1886-1950)
Contract for "Swanee."
Three-page typed agreement between Jolson and the Columbia Graphophone Manufacturing Company (later Columbia Records), dated October 14, 1919. This contract was for the famed singer's great recording, "Swanee, " a recording which made the song one of the most popular pieces in history. In very good condition with fold creases, some fold separations, torn punch holes to top edge, mild toning, and some overall general wear. Unsigned.
The song was written in 1919 by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Irving Caesar, for a New York City revue called "Demi-Tasse," which opened in October 1919 in the Capitol Theater. In its original context, it was used as a big chorus production number and was not immediately a hit. Shortly thereafter, Jolson included the song in his own show "Sinbad," at the Winter Garden Theatre and recorded it for Columbia in January of 1920, as per the present contract. "After that," said Gershwin, "Swanee penetrated the four corners of the earth." The song was charted in 1920 for 18 weeks, holding the No. 1 position for nine. It sold a million sheet music copies, and an estimated two million records. It became Gershwin's first hit and the biggest-selling song of his career; the money he earned from it allowed him to concentrate on theatre work and films rather than writing further single pop hits. Arthur Schwartz said: "It's ironic that he never again wrote a number equaling the sales of Swanee, which for all its infectiousness, doesn't match the individuality and subtlety of his later works."
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