CHARLES MINGUS(1922 - 1979) American jazz bass player, the first to exploit the bass as a solo instrument. Mingus was a major influence in jazz in the Fifties and Sixties, and his work remains most influential today. Rare, partly-printed D.S. "Charles Mingus", 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Jan. 15, 1973, an American Federation of Musicians contract engaging Mingus to appear at Cleveland's "Smilin' Dog Saloon" on Feb. 20-25, 1973 for two or three shows per evening, for which Mingus would receive a guaranteed $3,000 against 60% of the door. The contract also stipulates that the employer would provide a "grand piano tuned to A440 pitch". Nicely signed by Mingus at bottom, also signed by his employer, Roger Bohn. Staple holes at top, else very good.