Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 16, 1873 in Florence, AL

Death

:

March 28, 1958 in New York City, NY

 

William Christopher Handy, better known as W.C. Handy, was an American composer and musician who is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues." Born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama, Handy was the son of former slaves. His father, Charles Barnard Handy, was a preacher and his mother, Elizabeth Brewer Handy, was a homemaker. Handy grew up in a musical family and was exposed to music at an early age. His father played the guitar and his mother sang in the church choir. Handy was also influenced by the music he heard on the streets of Florence, which included African American spirituals, work songs, and blues. As a young man, Handy worked as a teacher and a band leader. He played the cornet and the trumpet and performed in various bands throughout the South. In 1896, he moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he formed his own band, the Knights of Pythias. The band played at local events and dances and became popular in the area. In 1903, Handy moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he continued to perform and compose music. He worked as a bandleader and played in various clubs and theaters. In 1912, he published his first song, "Memphis Blues," which became a hit and helped to popularize the blues genre. Handy continued to compose and publish music throughout his career. Some of his most famous works include "St. Louis Blues," "Beale Street Blues," and "Yellow Dog Blues." He also wrote several books, including "Blues: An Anthology" and "Negro Authors and Composers of the United States." Handy's music was influential in the development of the blues genre and helped to bring it to a wider audience. He was also an advocate for African American musicians and worked to promote their music and careers. In 1918, he founded the Handy Brothers Music Company, which published the music of African American composers. In addition to his musical career, Handy was also involved in the civil rights movement. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked to promote racial equality and justice. Handy died on March 28, 1958, in New York City. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980. Overall, W.C. Handy was a pioneering composer and musician who helped to popularize the blues genre and promote the careers of African American musicians. His music continues to be celebrated and performed today, and his legacy as the "Father of the Blues" lives on.

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