Lou Weertz Roger Williams 45 Box Set Autographed Memorabilia Notes Cards Xmas

$

296

This is a wonderful batch of personal memorabilia from Lou Weertz, aka pianist Roger Williams. I acquired this collection when I bought out the record inventory of an estate auction place that was going out of business. First is the rare Lou Weertz 45 box set, recorded before Weertz became Roger Williams. The box has wear and tear and bits of wear around the edges, along with a nicked tear near the top edge. It's still sturdy and attached along the edge where the paper overlay connects top to bottom. The outer paper overlay in this spot shows splitting, but the inner connecting paper is in nice shape. Corners are worn but not split through. The records are all varying degrees of VG, showing wear and playing with some background noise, but without skips or major pops. They unfortunately were not in record sleeves, though I have replaced the originals with some nice quality new ones.

The memorabilia here is terrific. First, there are a couple of newspaper clippings. One talks about how Idaho college boy Weertz is hitting the big time in recording for MGM and the other is a later thank you letter from Williams when he was with Kapp Records. With these is the original envelope from Williams (now in NY) to his friends the Forresters in Idaho, postmark Dec. 2, 1952. It was the Forresters who saved all these bits and pieces from Williams over the years, from both before and after he became Roger Williams.

Next we have a postcard from Williams dated March 1956 in which he tells the Forresters that the record company made him change his name to Roger Williams. Then we have an undated program signed by Williams and sent to the Forresters saying he wished they were there. Someone else has written a note at the bottom about liking his performance.

We also have six years' worth of Christmas cards from Williams and family to the Forresters. The first two are signed by Weertz before the name change and the later four have Roger Williams & family names printed on the cards. One envelope dated Dec 13, 1960 survives, showing that the two families kept in touch despite several moves. The card is addressed to the Forresters now in Colorado but forwarded to Springfield, Missouri, and it's from the Williams family now in California. Also interesting is the Christmas card designs. Four of the six have piano-related themes.

Overall, this is a great batch of memorabilia related to the pianist who eventually became a best-selling superstar and major influence in his genre. After a lot of research, I've been able to find mention of only the "12th Street Rag" single from this 45 box set, and no mention anywhere of the box set album itself. With over 100 albums released, Williams remained active until the end of his life in 2011.

These collectible items will be packed with the utmost care to assure there is no damage in shipping. U.S. buyers get free insurance. Foreign buyers get free registered mail.

(Please see extra pictures above for details). Grading as follows: Near Mint=Like New or Very Close. VG++=Slight Wear/Close to Near Mint. VG+=Mild Wear/Nothing Serious. VG=Noticeable Scuffs and/or Scratches but Still Enjoyable.

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