Black Swan Records
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Black Swan Records was an American jazz and blues record label founded in 1921 in Harlem, New York. It was the first widely distributed label to be owned, operated, and marketed to African Americans.
1921 record by Alberta Hunter
W. C. Handy
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William Christopher Handy was an American composer and musician who referred to himself as the Father of the Blues. He was one of the most influential songwriters in the United States. One of many mus
Black Swan Records
…in Harlem, New York. It was the first widely distributed label to be owned, operated, and marketed to African Americans. Founded by Harry Pace with W.C. Handy, Black Swan Records was established to give African Americans more creative liberties. Black Swan was revived in the 1990s for CD reissues of its…
Handy in 1941
Handy's birthplace in Florence, Alabama
Handy, c. 1900, director of the Alabama Agriculture & Mechanical College Band
"The Memphis Blues" sheet music cover, 1913