Contract between Count Basie and Richard Wright regarding "King Joe"

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A single-paged letter to Count Basie from Richard Wright with a contract concerning royalties and shared monies for the collaboration on the song "King Joe," about the boxer Joe Louis. The document is typed on white paper with a William Morris Agency letterhead. Across the top is printed [NEW YORK LONDON CHICAGO HOLLYWOOD] with two holes punched at center. At top center is the William Morris logo and address for the New York office. The letter is dated [November 14, 1941,] and is addressed to [Count Basie, New York, New York,] It is signed [Very truly yours,] with Richard Wright's signature at center right. At left below Wright's signature is Count Basie's signature with a header reading [AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED']. At bottom center is printed [CABLE: "WILLMORRIS" NEW YORK. "WILLHOLLY" HOLLYWOOD]. The reverse of the document is blank.

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