In August, an impressive 18-foot aluminium sculpture was unveiled in Muscle Shoals, AL, honouring the region's rich musical legacy. The aluminium used for the artwork was supplied by Constellium's plant in Muscle Shoals, highlighting the connection between the local industry and the cultural tribute. The sculpture not only honours the region's rich musical heritage but also serves as a testament to the significant role of the aluminium industry in the area.
The statue is a striking depiction of a trumpet player resembling William Christopher (W.C.) Handy—born in nearby Florence, AL—pays tribute to his lasting contributions to the music world. Standing tall, the sculpture celebrates the legendary Father of the Blues, whose life and influence are commemorated each year through the W.C. Handy Music Festival in the vibrant Shoals area.
"We took a 3104 coil, rolled it to the precise thickness, and then cut it. Alloy 3104 is used for can body stock, and the metal for this masterpiece was sourced from recycled beverage cans (UBCs)," said Constellium Muscle Shoals plant director John Evans.
The W.C. Handy-inspired sculpture is the third of its kind commissioned in the Shoals area. Muscle Shoals, the largest city in Colbert County, AL, is part of the Florence-Muscle Shoals Metropolitan Area, often called "The Shoals," which includes the cities of Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia.
Two other aluminium sculptures honouring musicians have been installed in the area. In Sheffield's Love Plaza, a 1950s-era singer resembling Elvis Presley stands, while on Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals, a statue pays tribute to music legend David Hood. All three sculptures were crafted using aluminium sourced from Constellium's Muscle Shoals facility.
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