St. Louis Blues

An album of sheet music and pictures from the 1958 American film, 'St. Louis Blues'. The film, directed by Allen Reisner and produced by Paramount Pictures, is loosely based on the life of musician, W.C. Handy (The 'Father of Blues'), who is played by Nat "King" Cole. Other notable musicians that join Cole in this film include, Eartha Kitt, Pearl Bailey, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald and Mahalia Jackson - as well as actress Ruby Dee. The booklet, produced by Francis, Day and Hunter Ltd. , includes sheet music for the songs: 'St. Louis Blues', 'Morning Star', 'Got No More Home Than a Dog' ('Friendless Blues'), 'Yellow Dog Blues', 'Beale Street Blues', 'Careless Love' and 'Chantez Les Bas' ('Sing 'Em Low'). All the songs are composed by W.C. Handy, sometimes in collaboration with lyricists, such as Mack David, Martha E. Koenig, Spencer Williams and Mercedes Gilbert. Images included in the booklet are mostly stills from the film, as well as the occasional publicity image - for example, Cole sat at a piano or stood next to Ruby Dee. The reverse of the booklet depicts both Cole and Fitzgerald singing together. The front of the booklet depicts several brass instruments - alluding to the blues theme.

Part of the Townly Cooke Collection