Description:

William Handy
n.p., February 13, 1940
William C. Handy Signed "St. Louis Blues" 1939 Souvenir Ed. Piano Sheet Music, In Custom Presentation Folder
Signed sheet music

A vintage Souvenir Edition of W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues" Piano Sheet Music (New York: Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc., n.d. but ca. 1939), signed, inscribed and dated by its composer and lyricist, the pioneering blues musician William C. Handy (1873-1958) on the front cover as: "To Lionel A. Aucoin / with best wishes / from the composer / W.C. Handy / 2-13-1940." N.p. The 8pp sheet music booklet exhibits gentle light toning within, with isolated smudges or ghost impressions. Negligible shelf rubbing. Else near fine, actual size approximately 8.875" x 12.125". The sheet music has been carefully sewn in to a protective clamshell and cloth-covered navy blue folder, with gilt-embossed front panel and spine, measuring 9.25" x 12.325" x .25" overall.

Handy was a trumpeter, composer, songwriter, and self-proclaimed "Father of American Blues". This sheet music reproduces the music and lyrics of Handy's hit blues song, "St. Louis Blues", as originally published in 1914. The Souvenir Edition of the sheet music published 25 years later promoted Paramount Pictures' 1939 musical film "St. Louis Blues" - a Mississippi riverboat drama only loosely inspired by Handy's song of the same name. The Souvenir Edition features a portrait of "St. Louis Blues" star Dorothy Lamour on the front cover, and also includes a promotional plug for jazz singer and co-star Maxine Sullivan - "the sepia oriole" - on the inside of the back cover.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: folder: 9.25" x 12.325" x .25"
  • Medium: Signed sheet music

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March 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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