IRVING BERLIN (1888-1989)
Very early typed letter signed to singer Lillian Shaw providing the lyrics for "Yiddle On Your Fiddle Play Some Ragtime." New York: 13 December 1909. A one page typed letter signed "Irving" on one sheet of "Ted Snyder Company Music Publishers" stationery, accompanied by a second sheet providing the lyrics to "Yiddle On Your Fiddle Play Some Ragtime." The display 13 x 21 inches (33 x 53 cm); framed. The typed text somewhat faded, usual folds and creases, the sheets likely laid-down, not examined out of frame; Together with a full length photographic portrait of Berlin at a piano, with Pach Bros. embossed stamp, appears vintage.

A very early letter from Irving Berlin in New York to singer Lillian Shaw at the Grand Opera House in Pittsburg providing her the lyrics to "Yiddle On Your Fiddle Play Some Ragtime." The letter dates from the year Berlin was hired as staff lyricist by the Snyder company and two years before his first big hit with "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1911). Besides a 1908 note in the auction record, this is the earliest Irving Berlin letter we trace at auction, and rarer still for its fine musical content.