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Lot #812
W. C. Handy Typed Letter Signed

"In my heart I had always wanted to be a musician"

Estimate: $100+

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Server Time: 7/03/2024 01:00:32 PM EDT
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Description

"In my heart I had always wanted to be a musician"

TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc. letterhead, May 14, 1954. Letter to George Blau in Atlanta, in part: "You must know that I am deeply grateful to you and thankful to a kind providence for enabling me to be of service in a matter for which because of certain opportunities my education was limited to that of a high school in Florence, Alabama. I wish it were possible for me to have received one of the school papers.

I think I told you that when I was 18 I worked to get money to enter Wilber-University to study Theology, while in my heart I had always wanted to be a musician. Well, I got to Wilberforce after 61 years to receive the Degree of Doctor of Music, the foundation of which was laid in the old home town school where there was no piano nor organ. I tell you this visualizing the opportunities awaiting you in this fast changing world which needs so much young men of this generation.

I just received a letter from a lady in Alabama enclosing a clipping from The Atlanta Journal Constitution wherein they are putting over a program at the University of both races as it relates to my work and redounding to the credit of the State of Alabama.

Through several social events, mainly in the form of Fashion Shows I have enjoyed three evenings after which checks were given me for the W.C. Handy Foundation for the Blind, Inc. I will have been on two Television programs this week, two Church programs but through all of this I am working for humanity.

As you go through life you will see great possibilities in this field, and hope you will be able to do something in the field of racial relations through your pen." In fine condition, with some minor edge chipping to the second page.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
  • Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 10, 2024





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