W. C. Handy letters and sheet music

Collection — Folder: 1

Identifier: 2072

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes three letters by W. C. Handy, written between 1947 and 1949; all letters are signed by Handy and are written on Handy Brothers Music Co. letterhead. In one letter, addressed to Hart A. Wand, Handy describes his collaborations with William Grant Still, Fletcher Henderson, and other musicians; this letter ends with an anecdote describing the arrest of a church organist for intoxication after playing "St. Louis Blues" on the church bell tower. In another letter, Handy details the origins of his song "The Basement Blues." Also included is the sheet music for the "Joe Turner Blues," published by the Handy Brothers Music Co., which is autographed by Handy and dated February 21, 1946.

Dates

Created: 1942-1949
Other: Date acquired: 11/29/1971

Creator

Handy, W. C. (William Christopher), 1873-1958 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright to these papers has not been assigned to the Amistad Research Center. It is the responsibility of an author to secure permission for publication from the holder of the copyright to any material contained in this collection.

Extent

4.00 items

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Bill Russell

Method of Acquisition

Gift

Related Materials

The Center houses another small collection of W. C. Handy correspondence in the Walter C. Reinhardt collection on W. C. Handy. More information on musician Fletcher Henderson is found in the Henderson Family papers.