Wood from W.C. Handy Park Benches

Slats of wood from the original benches in W.C. Handy Park when this section of Beale Street in Memphis was turned into a formal park and dedicated to Handy in the early 1950s. The wood is shadowbox framed with custom sheet music background. Approx. 14 x 18 inches.

William Christopher Handy (November 16, 1873 - March 28, 1958) was a composer and musician who referred to himself as the Father of the Blues. Handy was one of the most influential songwriters in the United States. One of many musicians who played the distinctively American blues music, Handy did not create the blues genre but was the first to publish music in the blues form, thereby taking the blues from a regional music style (Delta blues) with a limited audience to a new level of popularity. Handy was an educated musician who used elements of folk music in his compositions. He was scrupulous in documenting the sources of his works, which frequently combined stylistic influences from various performers.

Formerly from the Blues & Legends Hall of Fame Museum

Condition: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in very fine condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or email Guernsey's at auctions@guernseys.com to request a more thorough condition report.