W. C. Handy

W. C. Handy (1873-1958), American composer, cornetist, and bandleader. Handy is best known for his role in the early publication and promotion of blues music, a type of black folk song that originated in the southern United States in the late 19^th century. Handy's songs brought the blues to international attention.

William Christopher Handy was born in Florence, Alabama. He was educated in the public schools and by his father and paternal grandfather, both of whom were clergymen. Handy began his musical career as a cornet soloist and bandmaster with minstrel shows; one of his earliest engagements was with the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, in 1893. From 1900 to 1902 he was a music teacher at the Agricultural and Mechanical College in Huntsville, Alabama.

Handy turned to composition in 1907 and shortly thereafter moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His first published song was “Memphis Blues” (1912), originally written several years earlier as a political campaign song with the title “Mr. Crump.” Among Handy’s other well-known songs are “St. Louis Blues” (1914), “Yellow Dog Blues” (1914), “Beale Street Blues” (1916), and “Loveless Love” (1921). Handy also founded a music publishing house and edited and wrote several books, including the autobiographical Father of the Blues (1941). The annual W. C. Handy Awards, sponsored by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, recognize the year’s best blues recordings. See also African American Music.