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.
Images
- Portrait of William Christopher Handy
- William Christopher Handy (father of the blues)
- W.C. Handy in The Peachite Vol. II, No. 2, Folk Festival
- W.C. Handy statue in Florence, Alabama photo 1 | photo 2 | photo 3
- W.C. Handy home and museum, Florence, Alabama
One tenth of a nation. Newsmakers film – W.C. Handy at 5:03
“Memphis Blues” sheet music
“Oh! Didn’t he ramble” sheet music parts: piano, 1st violin, 2nd violin, viola, bass, flute, 1st clarinet in A, 1st cornet in A, 2nd cornet in A, trombone, drums
“Oh! Didn’t he ramble” sheet music parts: solo B-flat cornet (2), 1st B-flat cornet, 1st B-flat clarinet (2), tuba (2), drums (2), 2nd B-flat cornet, 3rd B-flat cornet, solo E-flat alto, 1st E-flat alto, 2nd & 3rd E-flat altos (2), B-flat tenors (2), 1st trombone, 2nd trombone, 2nd B-flat clarinet, 3rd B-flat clarinet, B-flat bass (treb clef), 3rd trombone or B-flat bass (bass clef), baritone (bass and treb clefs), E-flat clarinet (2), E-flat cornet (2), oboe, bassoon, piccolo
W.C. Handy historical newspaper coverage
S.J.Res.144 – A joint resolution designating September 5, 1983, as “National Beale Street, Home-of-the-Blues Day” to commemorate the redevelopment of the historic area where W.C. Handy, originator of the famous music form known as the “Blues”, composed the “Memphis Blues” some seventy years ago
William Christopher Handy’s “Memphis Blues” Was Published September 28, 1912 America’s Library
“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
- From “Mule-een” to New Orleans: Just What Was Lead Belly Saying? Folklife Today
- The Painful Birth of Blues and Jazz Folklife Today
- Sheet Music and Pic of the Week: Happy Birthday Bessie Smith! In the Muse
- Sheet Music Spotlight: Shrapnel Blues Edition In the Muse