Original 'Let My People Come' Souvenir T-Shirt, c. 1974

Story

Premiering in 1974 at the Village Gate, this show was written on a dare by Earl Wilson Jr. to be the most explicit revue in New York. It became a massive hit, breaking box office records while featuring full nudity and songs so scandalous they led to a copyright lawsuit from the publishers of 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.'

Maker / Origin

The show was the brainchild of Earl Wilson Jr., son of a famous gossip columnist, and producer Phil Oesterman, who famously funded the production with a $7,000 bank loan intended for a flower shop freezer. Their 'guerrilla' marketing included never officially 'opening' the show to avoid snooty critics, a tactic that helped it run for over 1,100 performances.

Condition & Value

The shirt shows honest vintage wear with some fading to the black fabric and slight cracking in the screen print, which many collectors actually prefer as it proves age. No visible holes or major stains are apparent in the photo. Excellent preservation of the graphic keeps the value toward the higher end of the range.