Scarce oversized vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 photo of Presley in a turtleneck sweater, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint “To Mr. Irving Berlin, with respect and admiration, Sincerely, Elvis Presley.” Suede matted and framed to an overall size of 21 x 24.5. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light creases to image and background, a couple light stray black pencil marks, one through a few letters of inscription, and a trivial area of touch-up to facial area. Accompanied by a 2006 letter of provenance from Ellin Emmet, Irving Berlin’s granddaughter, who inherited the photo upon his passing in 1989. In 1957, Berlin was appalled when Elvis recorded a cover of ‘White Christmas’ for his holiday album. Berlin never particularly cared for Elvis, and considered the rock and roll version of his classic to be sacrilegious. He went so far as to contact radio stations across the country urging them not to play the song. Almost all the stations ignored the request, and the album went to number one on the charts. A very impressive, one-of-a-kind portrait presented as an olive branch to one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.
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