Jazz Hands

In 1974, the town of Halstrom commissioned a statue to commemorate the life of Carny Robinson (1918-1972).

Charles “Carny” Robinson, loved music more than life itself, especially the soulful improvisation of sweet hot jazz. Unfortunately, the town in which he lived allowed no music at all. At nights, he would hide in his closet, thick headphones on, and lose himself in melodic bliss, the heavenly mingling of harmonies and syncopation. He fought many bitter battles with the city council to repeal the ban, but could never change their hearts. Even so, he developed a reputation among the townsfolk as “the Music Man,” though none had heard a note in their lives. Curious, but mindful of the law, many would ask him, “What is music like?”

Possessing no eloquence, he let the memory of sound fill his body, arms outstretched in rapture, hands trembling with excitement. “I feel like jazz,” he would reply.

The music ordinance never lifted, but when people had a song in their heart they couldn't sing, they would thrust their arms out, stretch their fingers and shake. 

- Originally mailed to J. Stillman in New York City, New York