Description:

Duke Ellington
[Boston, MA], [August 14, 1939]
Duke Ellington "Sophisticated Lady" AMQS - 1933 Jazz Standard
AMQS

An autograph musical quotation signed by celebrated American jazz composer and musician Duke Ellington (1899-1974), as "Duke Ellington" at lower right. The large and flamboyant signature measures approximately 3" x 2" alone. N.d., n.p. but annotated verso: "Received 8-14-39 / From Boston, Mass. / Duke Ellington." Ellington has penned several measures of music on a fragment of printed blank music sheet. Inscribed in black ink as "to Mr. Lionel A. Aucoin - Sophisticated Lady" along the top. A few scuffs along the right edge, and trimmed. Else near fine. Overall size of 8.875" x 3.75".

The famous bandleader presented this musical autograph to stamp collector Lionel Aucoin of Spencer, Massachusetts. "Sophisticated Lady" was a jazz single recorded by Ellington and his Orchestra in February 1933, and released by them in May 1933. The initial version was instrumental, with solos by Ellington on piano, and bandmates on alto sax, trombone, and clarinet. The song climbed the charts to #3 soon after its release, and George Gershwin is said to have been jealous of its ingenious composition.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.875" x 3.75"
  • Medium: AMQS

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March 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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