There are many generous individuals in this world, and many of them are named John. But the particular John that readers of this blog will want to celebrate with me is my British “cousin” John Whitehorn. John and I (along with Sir Robert Cox) first met in Westoverledingen in 2007 — and John was there at this year’s Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival.
He had a manila envelope, which he presented to me. Inside . . . treasures! Tal Farlow:
Johnny Varro, looking more like a teenaged woodsman than a great jazz pianist.
And the much-missed Kenny Davern.
This was a hit song, but I’d never seen the sheet music — with Louis Prima in a streamlined white double-breasted jacket.
But I’ve saved the most amazing piece of sheet music for last. Again, it’s a song familiar to jazz listeners from recordings by Jack Teagarden and another beloved singer:
That lovely picture was a real surprise to me: here’s a close-up of the beautiful Miss Wiley:
Now I call that superb generosity, don’t you? Thank you, John!
JAZZ LIVES 
Yes: John Whitehorn. A true gent, and very generous with his time & knowledge. See you at the Shipwrights’, John. You too, Bob!
I am a librarian helping a friend and colleague who is writing a book on Italian-Americans in jazz. Does the sheet music of “Sing,Sing,Sing” or the photo of Louis Prima have a date on it or any indication of who owns the copyright for the photo? He would like to use the image of Louis Prima or the sheet music in his book. Thanks very much.