Correspondence
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Celley, Al
label: Collection Creator
content: Ellington, Duke, 1899-1974
setName: label: See more items in
content: Al Celley Collection of Duke Ellington Materials
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1945 - 1963
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives Center, National Museum of American History
identifier: label: Identifier
content: NMAH.AC.1240, Series 2
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: This series is divided into two subseries: Subseries 2.1: Chronological, 1943-1963 and Subseries 2.2: Alphabetical, 1949-1961. The chronological correspondence is general in nature and consists of correspondence written to Duke Ellington and Al Celley primarily about matters pertaining to Ellington band performances (bookings and arrangements). Also included are letters and telegrams from other businesses in the music industry (agreements and contracts), hotels, musicians seeking employment with Ellington, and fans seeking photographs and autographs. The series is arranged chronologically. 

The alphabetical correspondence includes letters, receipts, and contracts with organizations such as the American Federation of Musicians, Associated Booking Corporation, Charter Coach Corporation, Checkerway Charter Coach Company, Chicago Federation of Musicians, and Gary Suburban Lines.  Many of the handwritten notes detail salary information for the band and provide the percentage of money (typically ten percent) due under the union guidelines. Also included are contracts executed between Duke Ellington, Inc. and other organizations and/or venues.