April 4, 1956
Dear Irving:
I have taken to singing songs on my shows, cute or funny ones, preferably. A few weeks ago I did "I love a Piano" with Liberace, and last week I did "Cuba".
I know that you have many songs of this type and if, one of these days, you could stray far enough from your money to peruse your catalogue, perhaps you could instruct one of your hirelings to send me a few of them. They don't seem to be available in the music shops. I did get "I Want To Be Lazy" - but that's about all I could find.
Regards,
Groucho
April 6, 1956
Dear Groucho:
Your letter was read to me over the telephone in Florida.
My office has chosen some songs and are sending them to you but I also instructed them to send you a catalogue so you can roll your own. If there's anything you want that we haven't got in stock, I'll have it made up for you.
Outside of "The Cocoanuts," I'm still grateful to you for doing "Simple Melody" with Bing Crosby which ended up in its revival.
I see your show often and you remind me very much of the fellow who came to Atlantic City and heard George Kaufman read the first draft of "The Cocoanuts." I'm delighted with your success.
As always,
Irving
April 18, 1956
Dear Irving:
First of all, thanks for the parcel of songs, plus the catalogue and your invitation to "roll my own." Little did you know! While perusing it, I found some fifty-odd pieces (list attached) that I'd like to add to my repertoire.
Next time let me have your address so that my thank can reach you directly, rather than be strained through a telephone wire from New York.
Warmest regards,
Groucho
April 23, 1956
Dear Groucho:
Frankly, there are songs that I would be tempted to pay you not to do. For instance, "Cohen Owes Me $97" would not be taken in the same spirit as it was when I wrote it for Belle Baker when she opened at the Palace many, many years ago. "The Friars Parade" is a special bad song I wrote for the Friars Club and you certainly would never have occasion to use that.
But why mention individual titles? Let me tell you of my favorite Groucho Marx story the way I tell it: "There's a song I wrote during the First World War called 'Stay Down Here Where You Belong' of which Groucho knows all the lyrics. Any time he sees me, when I'm trying to pose as a pretty good songwriter, he squares off and sings it. I've asked him how much money he will take not to do this but so far he will not be bribed."
Always,
Irving
