W.C. HANDY

Born in a log cabin near the banks of the Tennessee River, Florence native William Christopher Handy became known as the undisputed "Father of the Blues".

Handy, born in 1873, was the son and grandson of tradition bound Methodist ministers, and maintained a strong affinity for religious music especially Black spirituals throughout his life.

After his father objected to Handy's desire to become a professional musician, the young piano and trumpet player left Florence and embarked on a musical odyssey that carried him to St. Louis and Memphis.

With the publication of "Memphis Blues" in 1912, Handy standardized a unique, original form of American music that became known as "the blues". Later compositions, from "St. Louis Blues" to "Beale St. Blues", established gritty, soulful standards for this heartfelt musical genre.

In the 1920s, Handy moved to New York City and became a successful music publisher. He lost his eyesight during the 1930s and began publishing music in braille. In 1941, he published his autobiography, "Father of the Blues".

Florence, Handy's hometown, hosts a music festival in his honor each year. Handy, who died in 1958, was inducted to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1987. His restored birthplace is now a museum and tourist attraction.