[Calloway, Cab. (1907-1994)] Collection of Presidential and Political Acknowledgements

An intriguing collection of five items from the American jazz singer, bandleader and dancer, with associated group of signed letters of provenance attesting that all of the items came directly from the family of Cab Calloway. As follows: Typed Letter on White House stationery from President Bill Clinton to Cab Calloway, sending good wishes after a recent stroke (Calloway would pass away from the repercussions of that stroke). 1 page. July 13, 1994. Possible secretarial signature. Fine. City of New York Certificate of Appreciation to Cab Calloway. Sept. 5, 1985, signed by Mayor Ed Koch, contained in original gilt-stamped Mayoral presentation folder. Together with a cutout lucite-mounted photograph of Ed Koch with Cab Calloway. Both fine. State Legislative Resolution from the State of New York honoring Cab Calloway with "Cab Calloway Day", January 28, 1985 in Black History Month. Put into effect and signed by Senator John E Flynn. Two textured paper sheets, signed by Senator Flynn. Overall measures approx. 8 5/8" x 15", contained in original blue velvet-textured presentation folder. Folder a little worn, else fine Four part invitation to a White House Luncheon from President & Mrs. Lyndon Johnson to Mr. & Mrs. Cab Calloway, mounted to rigid gold paper backing. October 10, 1967. Approx. 18" x 15". Light foxing to cards, chipping and wear around the mount edges. In his autobiography, Of Minnie the Moocher and Me Calloway recounts how at an evening reception in honor of Duke Ellington, Richard Nixon approached Calloway and told him "My wife and I really like what you're doing, Mr. Ellington." But Cab did have a number of more fulfilling connections with Presidents over the years. In 1938, he and his orchestra record "FDR Jones," composed in honor of then President Roosevelt. Decades later, during the JFK presidential campaign, Cab recorded supportive radio spots, and, after his assassination, recorded "History Repeats Itself." In 1967, Calloway was invited to the White House and was among the 140 guests (including Gregory Peck) in a reception in honor of representatives of Kuwait. He attended further White House events under Nixon and was celebrated in official communications from Reagan and Clinton.