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At MMRF, we have many artists who
have played only for their home communities before partnering with Music Maker,
and many whose careers have been derailed due to an obstacle. In Major Handy’s
case, that obstacle was Hurricane Katrina, followed by Hurricane Rita. Major and
his wife, Frances, had a successful career playing on Royal Carribbean cruises
that left from New Orleans. Their Zydeco act was beloved by cruise-goers, and
they made a good living from gig fees and CD sales.
When Hurricane Katrina hit, Major
had just been booked for all Saints home games in the Superdome. Those gigs, and
of course, any cruises scheduled to leave from New Orleans, were canceled. Major
still had some income in Lafayette, where the couple lived, from gigs and his
body shop. After Hurricane Rita, those incomes dried up too. The couple was
forced to cut costs, and dropped their health insurance. Soon after, Frances was
diagnosed with lymphoma.
Frances recently sent us a note,
which you can read here,
detailing their story. It is familiar to so many Music Maker musicians, for whom
a natural disaster like Katrina meant the end of a once thriving career. Making
their way back takes years, if it’s even possible without support. Major and
Frances were on their own for seven years, before partnering with Music Maker
this fall. Major has just returned from his first tour with the Blues Revue in
Australia. Frances writes, “I wanted you to know our story, since that
is what the Music Maker Relief Foundation is all about. You have been a God
send to us and I know that Major and I will be such an asset for MMRF … I am
feeling hopeful, encouraged and excited about the future!!! Thank you
Tim.”
Please make your gift today
to help us get artists back to work, while preserving Our Southern Roots for
future generations. Your gift will be matched up to $80,000, if you give
before June 30th.
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