Autograph Quotation Signed / Inscribed Photograph Signed

This legendary R & B tenor hit the charts in the mid-50s with the Drifters and such hits as "Money Honey," "Such a Night" and "Honey Love" before going solo. Two items: First, an AQS, 1p, irregularly-trimmed (roughly rectangular) 8" X 4½", n.p., n.d. [January 1958]. Very good. Yellowed tape stain at each corner and two more small tape stains along right edge, touching slightly upon a couple of words. Curious free verse poem or song lyrics -- whether to one of McPhatter's published songs is uncertain. "I want to walk in the shadow of your arms," it begins. "I want to live by the touch of your lips. I want to be in the River with you, while the sea's calm, I want to live and love I don't want to miss. I want to live with a love that's divine, I want to be with you and give you all my love. I want to say that you are mine. I want to ask faith from the one above." Boldly signed at the conclusion. An unheard-of McPhatter rarity, quite intriguing and exceedingly scarce -- and worthy of further research. Second, an IPS, 8" X 10", n.p., n.d. Very good. Faint yellow tape stain at each corner. Classy, handsome half-length glossy portrait of a young smiling McPhatter in suit and tie, inscribed large and bold in thick black marker at the upper right "To / 'Donald' / ALL the best / ALL the time! / Clyde McPhatter." Very choice and very scarce. McPhatter, who suffered from alcoholism, died of a heart attack at age 39, making his autograph material quite uncommon.