Eily Lester letter and photographs received from Bert Ralton, 1924-1926

MLMSS 8926

fonds

1924-1926

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs, Clippings

1030806

0.01 metres of textual material (1 folder)

Bert Ralton was an American saxophonist who formed the Savoy Havana Band in 1921. The band was resident at the Savoy Hotel in London between 1921 and 1927 under the management of Wilfred de Mornys. Originally there were six players but it increased to ten. When de Mornys' contractual arrangement with the Savoy Hotel ended in 1927, the band went on tour and disbanded in 1930.

Bert Ralton met Eily Lester on a visit to Sydney in 1924.

Reference:
Wikipedia entry on Savoy Havana Band: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savoy_Havana_Band (accessed 23 April 2013)

This collection came to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Library from Annie Greenberg, granddaughter of Eily Lester, February 2013

The collection comprises a letter to "old pals Billy and Eily" written by Ralton in London, 28 June 1926 (9 pages, on Havana Band letterhead); two professional photographs of Ralton, inscribed to "Billy and Eily" and signed by Ralton, Sydney 27 November 1924 and 7 November 1926; page from photograph album with 5 photographs and a newscutting about Ralton.