RODGERS, RICHARD. (1902-1979). American composer of musicals and popular songs such as My Funny Valentine, Oklahoma!, and many other hits. TLS. (“Richard Rodgers”). 2/3p. Small 4to. New York, October 12, 1978. On his persona stationery. To ABRAM SAMUELS (1920-2005), businessman, pianist, composer, and guest lecturer at Muhlenberg and Cedar Crest Colleges.

“I am delighted that you are doing this tribute to Oscar Hammerstein and me. Your audience, which shows its high degree of intelligence merely by attending will, I am sure, be as delighted as I am.

I send you and them my best wishes and deepest thanks...”

Together with Lorenz Hart, and later, Oscar Hammerstein II, Rodgers wrote innumerable popular scores for musicals that have become classics, including the scores of Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music, and many others.

Samuels was chairman of Automatic Devices Company, a family business in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but he was also a pianist and composer of more than 400 songs. Rodgers’ song-writing partner, Oscar Hammerstein (1895-1960) was one of America’s greatest lyricists.

Folded into thirds with a staple in the upper left corner; in very good condition.