W. C. Handy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids W. C. Handy
Handy in July 1941, photographed by Carl Van Vechten
Background information
Birth name	William Christopher Handy
Born	(1873-11-16)November 16, 1873 Florence, Alabama, United States
Origin	Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Died	March 28, 1958(1958-03-28) (aged 84) New York City
Genres	Blues, jazz
Occupation(s)	Musician, bandleader, teacher
Instruments	Trumpet
Years active	1893–1948

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

Images for kids

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  Handy at age 19

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  Handy, ca. 1900, director of the Alabama Agriculture & Mechanical College Band

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  William Handy

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  Bronze statue of Handy in Handy Park, Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee