(WARHOL, ANDY) (WALLOWITCH, JOHN). Wallowitch, John.
New York. ND (1964).: Serenus Records Corp.. First Edition. Large Square 4to. LP in Illustrated Album Cover. Fine/Fine. One black vinyl long-playing phonograph record in a plain paper inner-sleeve, inside a 12 x 12" album cover printed black and white offset recto, and two color offset verso. Design by Irwin Rosenhouse. Cover Photograph by Andy Warhol. This is the very first recording issued by the late pianist, composer and lyricist John Wallowitch. Best known as one half of the Manhattan cabaret performing duo Wallowitch and Ross, his songs have been recorded by the likes of Tony Bennett, Blossom Dearie, Dixie Carter, Doc Severinson, and many others. He was also the brother of the late photographer Ed Wallowitch, a confidant and early Factory assistant to Andy Warhol. Art directed by noted New York designer Irwin Rosenhouse, Warhol collaged a series of photobooth images for its cover that capture the suited Wallowitch from his chest up to his mouth, cutting off any other identifying facial features (as well as making a non-issue of the pianist's baldness). The recordings consist of twelve show tunes and standards including "Swanee", "I'll Remember April", "Fly Me to the Moon", and "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". The jacket is stamped "Stereo" on the verso in black ink, and is remarkably clean and fresh. A bright, most handsome example of this uncommon, early Andy Warhol item (entry number twenty-six in Paul Marechal's "Andy Warhol: The Record Covers 1949-1987 - Catalogue Raisonné," and cited on page 48 of Guy Schraenen's "Vinyl: Records and Covers by Artists") that predates his "The Velvet Underground And Nico" album cover by two years. PLEASE NOTE: The album's catalogue number SEP 2005 printed prominently on the rear cover has led some less well-versed observers to speculate that this is a reprint issued in September of the year 2005. It is not. It is the first - and only vinyl issue - released in 1964.
Inventory Number: 027217
