• LILLETTE by Jack Gold Sheet Music ©1948 COVER
  • LILLETTE by Jack Gold Sheet Music ©1948 BACK COVER
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Jefferson Music Company

1948 “Lillette” Sheet Music | Nat King Cole Trio Portrait Plum Cover | Post-War Swing

1948 “Lillette” Sheet Music | Nat King Cole Trio Portrait Plum Cover | Post-War Swing

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AT A GLANCE

Title:
Lillette
Publisher:
Jefferson Music Co., New York
Type:
Sheet music
Subject:
Swing | Jazz Standard
Performance medium:
Piano & voice
Artist:
Nat King Cole Trio
Composer:
Jack Gold
Era:
Post-War Popular (1946 - 1960)
Date:
1948
Material:
Paper
Dimensions:
9" x 12"
Condition:
Good (G)
Color:
Plum

Lillette Featuring the Nat King Cole Trio — Rich Plum Post-War Swing Edition

Collector’s Note

Published in 1948 during the Post-War Swing era, “Lillette” gained attention through a memorable recording by the Nat King Cole Trio on Capitol Records. The striking plum cover and studio portrait make this edition especially appealing to jazz and mid-century music collectors.

Original 1948 sheet music for Lillette, composed by Jack Gold (1921 - 1992) and published by Jefferson Music Co., New York. Gold was an American producer, composer and song writer who worked with among others--Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Ray Conniff, and Johnny Mathis.

The cover features a studio portrait of the Nat King Cole Trio, framed within a deep plum design accented by the silhouette head of Thomas Jefferson — the publisher’s logo. The dramatic monochromatic palette and structured layout reflect the refined visual style of late-1940s jazz publishing.

Jazz icon Nat King Cole (1919–1965), born Nathaniel Adams Coles, rose to prominence in the late 1930s as a jazz pianist with the King Cole Trio. As the sole Black act signed to Capitol Records at the time, the trio outsold many contemporaries in the 1940s and helped define the small jazz ensemble sound that influenced generations to come.

By 1950, Cole transitioned into a solo artist and later became the first Black American to host a nationally broadcast television variety show, The Nat King Cole Show. Despite widespread acclaim, he faced significant racial discrimination throughout his career.

The reverse advertises additional songs by Redd Evans. The 9" x 12" sheet music piece is in great condition with minimal signs of age and handling. Protective sleeve included.

Framing Appeal

The rich plum background and mid-century studio portrait create a bold, graphic statement. Stunning matted in ivory or black with a slim metallic or dark wood frame — ideal for a music room, lounge, office, or vintage jazz gallery wall.

Listen to the Nat King Cole Trio recording of Lillette here.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.

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Why Collect Vintage Sheet Music

Collecting old sheet music invites you into a world where history, art, and melody intertwine. Each piece is more than printed notation—it's a preserved moment in time. For music lovers, history buffs, and creative minds alike, building a collection offers both personal satisfaction and the possibility of uncovering items of real value.

From classical masterpieces to the spirited energy of the Jazz Age, vintage sheet music reflects how music shaped culture across generations. First editions of composers like Chopin or Gershwin are especially coveted, treasured for their historical and monetary worth. As Smithsonian Magazine notes, these artifacts provide a vivid window into America’s musical and cultural evolution.

Collectors often cherish sheet music not only for its sound but for its striking cover art. Displayed as décor, it brings warmth and character to any room. Others breathe new life into old pages through creative projects—turning them into artwork, journals, or crafts that merge nostalgia with personal style.

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