MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1997
The Blues Foundation is taking to the skies in more ways than one. First, it has inked a three-year sponsorship deal with Northwest Airlines. Under the agreement, Northwest — as ''The Official Airline of the Blues Foundation'' — will provide the Foundation air travel and sponsorship for the W. C. Handy Awards and for its L.a.-based Lifetime Achievement Award, where Northwest has also created an award (as yet unnamed) for musicians involved in charitable activities. Blues Foundation executive director Howard Stovall was not specific on the amount of Northwest's sponsorship, which is worth thousands of dollars. Second, the Foundation's syndicated radio show, Beale Street Caravan, was picked up for distribution last week by National Public Radio and can now be heard globally over Armed Forces Radio. The Memphis Horns hosted show can be heard locally at 11 p.m. Saturdays on 91.1 WKNO-FM. Third, the 18th annual Handys May 1 at the Orpheum will be filmed for Japanese television by broadcasting company NHK.
50 years ago — 1972
NASHVILLE – State Highway Department officials plan to meet with Atty. Gen. David M. Pack in regard to what officials said are 400 billboards erected illegally since new billboard controls went into effect April 4. The Tennessee General Assembly, acting on deadline, this spring passed billboard control regulations required under the federal Highway Beautification Act to save $7.8 million in federal highway funds to Tennessee.
75 years ago — 1947
NEW YORK – Benny Leonard, 51, former lightweight champion of the world died Friday night shortly after collapsing in the ring while refereeing a fight at St. Nicholas Arena. Leonard, who retired in 1925 as undefeated world champion and later embarked on a comeback as a welter-weight, was pronounced dead by Dr. Vincent Nardiello, New York State Athletic Commission physical.
100 years ago — 1922
The Frisco is the first railroad entering Memphis to feel the effects of the high water. Its passenger trains between Memphis and St. Louis were yesterday annulled so far as through service is concerned. The highwater above Cape Girardeau put the main line of the Frisco out of business two or three days ago, but they detoured all through Memphis and St. Louis passenger trains from Rock View via the Cotton Belt and Missouri Pacific, then back to Frisco tracks. 125 years ago — 1897
Memphis is fast forging to the front in the line of musical compositions. Another instrumental number by a notable local composer has reached the market. ''The Thelma Waltz'' by Fordyce Hunter is a brilliant piece inspired by the book for which it is named. It is dedicated to Miss Alma Black, a young lady whose picture appears on the front of the sheet music.