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[[note]] 1946 Easter [[/note]] [[letter]] TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Today, there are many excellent musicians, speakers, performers, and artists of other fields, whom the world-at-large does not know or recognize, who are equally as good -- if not better-- than some whose names are outstanding and in "bright lights." This, however, is not intended as a reflection on the names of those who have been stamped and approved, nor does it mean that those who are not known have "lights of lesser brilliance," but it is intended to point out to you that this state of circumstance is due to a multiplicity of things which we might classify under the heading of "economic pressure." The biggest factor in putting things and people before the public today is Radio. It is utterly impossible for Radio to absorb ALL of the best talent--nor would it be wise or fair to other businesses if such were possible. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that radio makes and breaks performers faster and more famously, than any other present day type of entertainment. Many of our top-flight entertainers are in legitimate state shows and theatres and their work is of such a nature that those who are outside of its immediate drawing circle seldom have the opportunity for appreciation of their wonderful talent for they rarely, if ever, have opportunity to go on tours, etc. They appear briefly here and there and in the immediate vicinity on the concert stage but seldom get far away from their regular work. Throughout the year different ones who are members of some of the various successful shows appear on their own as individual artists at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, City Center, etc. Many of these artists are from the south, although the south does not have a "corner of the market"--not by a long shot!! There are several plays currently appearing on Broadway which are starring Negro Actors and Actresses and are very successful and have earned well-deserved accalim, for instance, "Deep Are The Roots," a story of the insidious and venomous poison of racial prejudice, the leading role of which is played by Gordon Heath, a native New Yorker who has worked with several theatre organizations, one of which was the Richard B. Harrison players. He has also served as a radio announcer on several of the New York stations. Anna Lucasta, an all Negro cast, which has been playing now for more than two years is full of stars with long, eventful records. Some of the cast and their native homes are, Georgia Burke, Atlanta, Ga.; Alice Childress, Charleston, S. C.; Hilda Simms (the Star) Minneapolis, Minn.; and others. All of these people are musicians and Artists of other sorts in their own rights. Such an individual artist is Joy L. Mearimore. The accompanying circular tells of her achievements. On April 19th of this year, Miss Mearimore will begin her first tour of the Southern States. Of necessity, this initial tour will be confined to the period of two weeks. However, beginning in March and extending through May of the year 1947 her books will be open for engagements in the South. We deem it a pleasure and privilege to have the services of this outstanding artist to offer you for your forthcoming programs during that period. Please address all communications to; Joy L. Mearimore, 467 West 163 St. New York 32, New York Respectfully yours, Ernest E. Pharr Ernest E. Pharr, Mgr. [[/letter]]
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