Collection: W.C. Handy Collection | Georgetown University Archival Resources

Scope and Contents

This collection is currently unprocessed and access to it may therefore be limited. Researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections for more information on access to this collection.

The collection contains material related to W.C. Handy, including music manuscripts, printed music, correspondence, photographs, typescripts for radio plays that feature Handy's music, and other ephemera.

For more information, including a detailed inventory, see the External Documents section below.

Dates

circa1937-1981

Creator

Handy, W.C. (William Christopher), 1873-1958 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Biographical Note

W.C. Handy (1873-1958) was a noted African American musical composer known for his work with the blues. Handy was born on November 16, 1873 in Florence, Alabama. Both his father and grandfather were Methodist ministers. He graduated from the Teachers Agricultural and Mechanical College in Huntsville, Alabama.

Handy immersed himself in music and leared to play the coronet, piano, guitar, and other instruments. In 1892, he left home to travel and play music. From 1903 to 1921, Handy conducted his own orchestra known as the "Knights of Pythias." He also founded Pace and Handy Music Company, later changed to Handy Brothers Music Company.

Handy's works include "Memphis Blues" (1912), "St. Louis Blues" (1914), "Beale Street Blues" (1916), and "Loveless Love" (1921). In 1941, Handy's autobigraphy "Father of Blues" was published.

W.C. Handy died on March 28, 1958 in New York City at the age of 84.

[Source: "W.C. Handy" in "Encyclopedia Britannica" Online]