W. C. Handy

W. C. Handy
Handy in July 1941, photographed by
Carl Van Vechten
Background information
Birth nameWilliam Christopher Handy
Born(1873-11-16)November 16, 1873
Florence, Alabama, United States
OriginMemphis, Tennessee, United States
DiedMarch 28, 1958(1958-03-28) (aged 84)
New York City
GenresBlues, jazz
Occupation(s)Musician, bandleader, teacher
InstrumentsTrumpet
Years active1893–1948

William Christopher Handy (November 16, 1873 – March 28, 1958) was an American composer and musician[1] who referred to himself as the Father of the Blues.[2][3] Handy was one of the most important songwriters in the United States.[4] He was known as one of the first singers to publish music American blues music.

References

  1. Obituary Variety, April 2, 1958, p. 68.
  2. "On This Day" Archived 2018-01-23 at the Wayback Machine The New York Times. Retrieved 2015-7-3.
  3. Evans, David (2001). "Handy, W(illiam) C(hristopher)". Grove Music Online. Archived from the original on June 3, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  4. Robin Banerji (30 December 2012). "WC Handy's Memphis Blues: The Song of 1912". BBC News - Magazine. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 30 May 2018.