W. C. Handy Autograph Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS H1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Signed photographs and sheet music, as well as miscellaneous items from the Handy Brothers Music Co.

Dates

1948-1958

Creator

Selby, P. O. (Paul Owen), 1890-1982 (Person)

Note on Use of Collections

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Copyright

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Board of Governors for Truman State University, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Researchers further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Truman State University, Pickler Memorial Library, and their officers, employees, and agents from and against all suits, claims, actions, and expenses arising out of use of collections held by the library.

Biographical Note

William Christopher Handy (1873-1958) was one of the originators of the music form known as the "Blues," and one of his most famous compositions was "The Saint Louis Blues." Written in 1914, the piece was based on Handy's experiences in 1893 when he tried for a time to find work as a musician in St. Louis, Missouri. Unable to find work at first, he slept on the streets and in chairs in pool halls. He later began to find odd jobs and eventually enough music gigs to make his way as a musician. In one of his letters to Dr. Selby, he recalls playing Kirksville with a traveling show "back in the nineties."

Extent

0.2 linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is organized into a single series - William Christopher Handy Autographs, 1948-1958.

Custodial History

In 1957, as part of Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College's 90th Anniversary, Dr. Paul Owen Selby contacted famous persons in all walks of life asking them to contribute a signed card or photograph to an Anniversary Autographs Collection which, when completed, would be placed in the College Archives. One of those who responded to his request was composer William Christopher Handy. His signed card is in Volume I of the Autographs Collection. Handy also sent Dr. Selby other signed items which Selby donated separately to the library on September 30, 1958. Those items form this manuscript collection.