Details
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)
"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)