Beschreibung:

ARMSTRONG, LOUIS. Autograph letter signed ("Satch -- Louis Armstrong") to Chris Clufetos, Corona, N.Y., 24 January 1969. 2 pages, 4to, written on the versos of printed sheets bearing Armstrong's popular nine-day diet, originally published in Harper's Bazaar ("Lose Weight, the Satchmo Way!"), slight wear at folds, with original stamped envelope addressed by Armstrong --WITH A GLOSSY PHOTOGRAPH OF ARMSTRONG PLAYING HIS TRUMPET, issued by the Associated Booking Corp., [ ca . 1952], 202 x 250mm. (8 x 10 in.), a few minor creases, remains of tape over upper border , INSCRIBED BY ARMSTRONG to Clufetos; with recipient's inscription on verso, "Received picture March 2, 1953 (Mon.)" "SON, KEEP SHITTING" "Thanks for keeping tab on me through Lucille. She tells me every time you called. And I want you to know that I am very happy over your being concerned about me. I am straight now. Lucille straightened me, with her touch & patiences, & stuff. So, I'll soon be back on the mound, wailing just like nothing happened. Am glad to realize how well you like my home town. The people & musicians are lovely, aren't they. I was sad to hear about George Lewis and his base player. Oh well we all have our number and there isn't anything that we can do about it. That's why I keep shitting - that helps to prolong life. My mother instilled it in me, when I was Five years old. She said Son, keep shitting. You may not have Wealth, but you'll always have Health. How true it is. Regards to everybody. Your boy Satch -- Louis Armstrong." Armstrong was recovering from a heart attack at the time of this letter (the first had occurred in 1959). His concern with the niceties of digestion was nothing new: in fact he took his mother's advice so seriously that his reliance on laxatives was legendary. He recommends the practice in the weight-loss diet menu on which this and the following letter are written. (2)