The W.C. Handy Theatre was a movie theater at 2355 Park Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee.^[1] The venue was built for the African-American community during segregation. The theater was opened in 1947 and it also served music venue. The building was demolished in 2012.^[2]

The W.C. Handy Theatre was located at 2355 Park Avenue in the Orange Mound neighborhood of southeast Memphis.^[3] The 1,275-capacity theater cost $200,000 to build.^[4] In the lobby, there was a milk bar for theater patrons and transient passers-by.^[5] There was a stage for top African-American entertainers to perform at the venue.^[6]

The theater was named in honor of musician W.C. Handy, the father of the Blues.^[3] A life-sized portrait of Handy was displayed in the lobby, and every program began with the recording of his song "St. Louis Blues" and closed with his song "Memphis Blues."^[6]

Before the theater was opened, there was some controversy regarding its construction in 1946. The City Board of Adjustment received a petition signed by 113 people objecting to the theater when Chalmers Cullins and his associates applied for permits for the theater and shops on Park Avenue.^[7] Cullins and his associate Nate Evans responded that the opposition was due to the interest of people who built a theater nearby on Carnes Avenue.^[7] However, many residents supported the plan for theater in the neighborhood. Evans presented a petition signed by 309 residents in favor of the theater.^[7]

The theater opened with performances by Cootie Williams' orchestra, Mantan Moreland and Company, the Congaroos, and Miller and Boojie on May 11, 1947.^[8][4] W.C. Handy made a personal appearance during the first four days.^[4]

Although the venue was built for African Americans, there were segregated shows for white patrons to attend.^[9][10]

On October 31, 1953, the first all-Black television show was broadcast on WMCT.^[11] The amateur show was filmed on Saturday nights at the W.C. Handy Theatre.^[12] The amateurs competed for cash prizes on a show featuring the comedy duo Rufus and Bones; Rufus Thomas was the master of ceremonies.^[12]

The cinema continued to operate in the 1960s.^[13][14][15] After years of abandonment, the building was demolished in 2012.^[2]

Notable entertainers who performed at the W.C. Handy Theatre include:

• W.C. Handy^[12]
• Cootie Williams^[4]
• Mantan Moreland^[4]
• Count Basie^[2]
• Lionel Hampton^[16]
• Ike Turner & his Kings of Rhythm^[10]
• Jackie Brenston^[10]
• The Dominos^[17]
• The Clovers^[18]
• Lynn Hope^[18]
• Duke Ellington^[9]
• Johnny Hodges^[9]
• Ray Nance^[9]