Handy, W. C. (William Christopher), 1873-1958
Dates
- Existence: 1873-11-16 - 1958-03-28
Biography
W. C. Handy was a Black American composer who was the self-proclaimed “Father of the Blues” and composer of “The St. Louis Blues.” He is known for his work in popularizing the blues form and arranging and adapting it for mainstream audiences. Born November 16, 1873 in Florence, Alabama, he became a voice and music instructor at Teachers Agriculture and Mechanical College (later renamed Alabama A&M University) before becoming a blues composer.
Sources:
Evans, David. "Handy, W(illiam) C(hristopher)." Grove Music Online. 2001; Accessed 27 Nov. 2023. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.12322.
"W. C. Handy, Blues King, Dies at 84". Lewiston Evening Journal. March 28, 1958. p. A1.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Johns Hopkins University collection of African American history and culture
The Johns Hopkins University collection of African American history and culture is an artificially assembled collection of printed materials, diaries, photographs, and other items created from 1800 to 1988.