Today in History: W.C. Handy & the Blues
Today in History–September 28–the Library of Congress features William Christopher Handy, whose song the “Memphis Blues” was published on this date in 1912. Handy introduced the blues into mainstream music and became known as the father of the blues. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access a rich collection of blues music resources.
William Christopher Handy’s “Memphis Blues” Was Published September 28, 1912 America’s Library
W.C. Handy historical newspaper coverage
“Now What a Time”: Blues, Gospel, and the Fort Valley Music Festivals, 1938-1943
Blues songs and blues music from The John and Ruby Lomax 1939 Southern States Recording Trip
Blues songs from Florida Folklife from the WPA Collections, 1937-1942
Chicago blues songs lyrics from oral history
Chicago Blues and Jazz: A New Story Map on the Chicago Ethnic Arts Project Collection
Blues manuscripts and text documents
Blues music historical newspaper mentions
Library blog posts
- Celebrating Bessie Smith: “Empress of the Blues” In The Muse April 30, 2018
- From “Mule-een” to New Orleans: Just What Was Lead Belly Saying? Folklife Today August 23, 2017
- The Painful Birth of Blues and Jazz Folklife Today February 24, 2017
- Sheet Music and Pic of the Week: Happy Birthday Bessie Smith! In the Muse April 15, 2011
- Sheet Music Spotlight: Shrapnel Blues Edition In the Muse February 24, 2016