Signed First Day Cover.
This influential black musician, educator and composer (pageant "Rolling Along in Negro Song," 1945) served as choir master of St. Louis's renowned Antioch Baptist Church and as president of the National Association of Negro Musicians (1960-65); one of his most famed pupils was the opera star Grace Bumbry; "Billups Avenue" in St. Louis is named in his honor, and he was first recipient of the prestigious W.C. Handy Award in 1969 -- the same year the U.S. honored Handy with a stamp. Item #21357
Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled at Memphis, TN, on May 17, 1969 and with "First Day of Issue" marked. Single 6-cent "W.C. Handy Father of the Blues" stamp at upper right. Near fine. No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address present. Across the "sweet spot," Billups signs bold and large (5"!) in black ballpoint. Comes with original 9½" X 4" transmittal envelope bearing Billups name and address printed in his hand at upper left. A most uncommon autograph.
Price: $75.00