W.C. Handy Favorite Finally Sentenced on Porn Charges

 

Jazz pianist Ray Reach (pictured left) used Birmingham as his base, but he often performed all over the Southeast. From 2002 until at least 2013, he appeared at the Florence W.C. Handy Festival where he was extremely popular.

In 2018, the now 76 year-old Reach was arrested for possession of child pornography. He finally came to trial in April of this year. Yes, that's right, it took seven years for Reach to face justice; it's not believed that he performed here after his arrest.

Reach was found guilty earlier this month, although he never admitted his guilt, and has been sentenced to two years in prison with three years of probation to follow. Let's hope his successful run here is over.