Profiles in History, run by Joe Maddalena, will auction a collection of personal letters from legendary entertainer Louis Armstrong to his longtime mistress and lovechild, offered in its December 15th/16th “Drama, Action, Romance-The Hollywood Auction”.
Dated from 1946-1968, the collection includes (13) Armstrong personal letters and postcards, written to Lucille “Sweets” Preston and Sharon, Armstrong’s only biological child.
Armstrong was friends with Preston and her husband, fellow opening act entertainer Luther “Slim” Preston, who passed away in 1950.
Soon after Armstrong and Lucille began a relationship and their daughter Sharon was born in 1954. The relationship continued until Armstrong’s death in 1971.
Armstrong’s wife, also named Lucille, never publicly acknowledged Sharon’s existence.
There are (5) handwritten letters totaling 27 pages; (4) typed signed letters totaling 10 pages; (4) handwritten postcards and a single 8 x 10 in. photograph signed “Satchmo” and “Louis Armstrong,” inscribed to “Mother Sweets Baby Sharon To My Darlings whom I Love.”
In addition, an original private audio reel, approx. 15 minutes in length, is included (with digitally converted CD) being a recording from May 28 1959 when Louis was in Berlin.
On the tape Armstrong sings “Uncle Satchmo’s Lullaby” with 12-year-old German singer Gabriele.
Armstrong’s letters express his love, care and lust – all laced with his incredible trademark humor.
Some of the colorful racial and sexual language are definitely not for the meek of heart!
This is an unprecedented and never-before-offered collection consigned directly from Louis Armstrong’s daughter, Sharon. The lot is estimated at $60,000 – $80,000
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