Dean, James; Romeo, Bob; Mitchell, Duke; Roth, Sanford H.

James Dean on Congo Drums in an Ad-Lib Jam Session with Bob Romeo on Flute (45RPM Record in Sleeve)

Los Angeles, CA: Romeo Records, 1957. Limited Edition. Vinyl LP. Posthumously released in late 1957, "James Dean on Conga Drums in an Ad-Lib Jam Session" was a limited-edition 45 rpm recording of actor James Dean (1931-1955) with two sides: the A-side is "Dean's Lament" and the B-side is "Jungle Rhythm," both featuring Dean on conga drums with L.A. musician Bob Romeo on flute & actor Duke Mitchell (1926-1981) also appearing on the B-side. Dean can even be heard talking & laughing with friends in the background between songs. Dean had idolized Oscar Award winning actor & amateur drummer Marlon Brando (1924-2004) and picked up the drums as a form of hero worship, which led to him meeting musicians like Romeo & was seen by some as jumping on the "bongo craze bandwagon." The "bongo craze" was an actual occurrence in the 1950s, inspired by the stereotype of the Beat Generation & it's millieu. The cover photo was taken by Sanford H. Roth (1906-1962), the noted photographer who was actually present the day Dean died and documented much of his final period. Not included: a 7" x 7" charcoal print of the actor, a magazine ad for the record & record inner sleeve, all original to the production. Limited Vinyl LP (7"): First Edition, first pressing. A most collectible piece of Hollywood/James Dean/Cuban music memoribilia in it rarest contemporary form. Record appears to be relatively in good-to-near fine condition with multiple visible surface scratches to A & B sides. Outer Sleeve is relatively good-to-near fine with moderate bumping to the edges & corners with surface peeling in some ares; detached at entire length of top of sleeve; detached appx. 3" along bottom of same; mild-to-moderate scratching & rubbing to both sides; former price ($2.50?) written in wax pen at top right corner of front of sleeve; original price tag (The Halle Bros. Co.) affixed to top left corner of same; moderate age-toning to back of sleeve. Good-Near Fine. [Item #8914]

Price: $150.00