Johnny Desmond Collection

Collection contains promotional documents, sheet music, and television scripts written by or about singing and television star Johnny Desmond. This small collection focuses largely on Desmond's pivot away from recording to work in television in the late 1950s. Of particular note are the drawings, scripts, and other information about the TV series that Desmond created in the late 1950s, which he intended to star in. None of the programs aired. While Desmond had some success in television and stage acting, this collection, though small, offers some insight into Desmond's plans to pivot into acting later in his career.

Sheet music for “She’s a Good Woman (You a Bad Man) by Johnny Desmond and Freddie Guerra and “The Picnic Song” words & music by Carmen Dello & Theresa Dello as recorded & introduced by Johnny Desmond on MGM. Contains 7 copies of sheet music for the former, and 2 copies of the latter. Also included is a promotional material for “The Picnic Song, including a card with song lyrics, an order form post card, a promotional letter from Larry Gallagher with an attached note with sender information.

Press and newspaper clippings about Johnny Desmond’s life and performing career. Includes a cover photograph of Johnny Desmond, from Cash Box magazine and clippings from Cash Box’s “top ten jukebox tunes” promoting Desmond’s songs are also included. An article from the New York News Coloroto Magazine discusses Desmond’s family life. Also included are 3 “Disk Data” packages from MGM Records used to promote their artists. Descriptions of Johnny Desmond and his songs appear briefly among the other artists.

Documents from Johnny Desmond’s “The Guitarman,” a proposed musical western television series. Includes a description of the series, including a series introduction, character list, and outline for an episode. The lyrics to “The Guitarman” by Johnny Desmond are included, as well as eight pages of proposed illustrations for the television series with handwritten notes beside the drawings.

Scant documentation of Johnny Desmond’s “Closure and Shadows,” a proposed musical television series. The television show is described as a “T.V. music idea for late evening written by and for Johnny Desmond.” Includes a series description document.

Scant documentation of Johnny Desmond’s “Lefty,” a proposed television series. Includes 2 copies of a series description document.

Marketing and promotional items relating to Desmond’s musical career. Includes a promotional brochure titled “Visit ‘Pigalle’” and 2 banners of Desmond promoting the songs “I wonder where my baby is tonight” and “P.S. I love you.” Also included is a Johnny Desmond Dictionary (French-English) brochure with biographical content and French-English translation of his phrase “It’s so good!,” a promotional card, and envelope for the brochure.