William Christopher Handy, also known as the “Father of the Blues,” was a renowned African American composer, musician, and bandleader who played a significant role in the development of the blues genre. His contributions to the blues music industry are immeasurable, and he is often credited with bringing this genre of music to the mainstream. In this article, we will explore Handy’s life, his musical career, and his influence on the blues genre.

Early Life and Career

William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama, to Elizabeth Brewer and Charles Barnard Handy. He was the eldest of six children, and his parents were both former slaves. Handy’s father was a preacher, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Growing up in a deeply religious household, Handy was exposed to gospel music at an early age. He started playing the cornet when he was 12 years old, and he soon joined a local band.

In 1893, Handy left home to pursue his music career. He traveled to Chicago, where he joined a band led by Mahara’s Minstrels. The band traveled across the United States, performing at various venues. Handy then moved to St. Louis, where he joined the Knights of Pythias, an African American fraternal organization. He formed his own band, the Handy’s Orchestra, and they performed at various events, including balls and dances.

Handy’s Musical Career

In 1903, Handy moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he became the bandmaster of the Knights of Pythias. He continued to play in various bands, and he also composed music. His first published composition, “Mr. Crump,” was a march dedicated to Edward Crump, a Memphis political boss. The march became a hit and was played at many events.

Handy continued to compose music, and he soon turned his attention to the blues. He was fascinated by the music of African Americans, who had migrated from the rural South to the urban areas in search of work. Handy was particularly interested in the “country blues,” which were sung by African Americans in the Mississippi Delta. He began incorporating elements of the blues into his compositions, and he soon became known as the “Father of the Blues.”

In 1912, Handy published “Memphis Blues,” which was the first blues song to be published. The song was a hit and was recorded by various artists. The Memphis Blues became the foundation of the blues genre, and it inspired many musicians to write their own blues songs.

In 1914, Handy published “St. Louis Blues,” which became his most famous composition. The song was a hit, and it was recorded by many artists, including Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, and W.C. Handy himself. The St. Louis Blues became a standard in the blues genre, and it is still played today.

Handy’s Influence on the Blues Genre

William Christopher Handy’s contributions to the blues genre were immeasurable. He was the first person to notate and publish blues music, which helped to bring this genre to the mainstream. He was also the first person to incorporate elements of the blues into his compositions, which helped to create a new style of music.

Handy’s compositions were also influential in the development of jazz music. His use of syncopation and improvisation, which were common in blues music, helped to create a new style of jazz music. Handy’s compositions were also played by many jazz musicians, who used them as a foundation for their own compositions.