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
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
The Memphis Blues
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"The Memphis Blues" is a song described by its composer, W. C. Handy, as a "southern rag". It was self-published by Handy in September 1912 and has been recorded by many artists over the years.
W. C. Handy
…same key for his 1914 hit, "Saint Louis Blues". In 1909 Handy and his band moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where they played in clubs on Beale Street. "The Memphis Blues" was a campaign song written for Edward Crump, the successful Democratic Memphis mayoral candidate in the 1909 election and political boss. The other…
Sheet music cover, 1912