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American composer, musician, and bandleader, widely known as the 'Father of the Blues' for his pivotal role in popularizing the blues genre.Born in Alabama to former slaves, Handy initially pursued classical music and led various bands. His encounter with raw folk blues in the Mississippi Delta profoundly influenced him. He began composing and publishing blues songs, most famously 'Memphis Blues' (1912) and 'St. Louis Blues' (1914), adapting the regional sound for a broader audience. His publications and arrangements were crucial in introducing blues to the world and establishing its commercial viability.

• Despite being called the 'Father of the Blues,' Handy did not invent the genre; his genius lay in transcribing, arranging, publishing, and popularizing the folk blues traditions he heard.
• Handy gradually lost his eyesight after an accident in 1943 and became completely blind by 1955, yet he continued his musical activities.
• He faced significant financial struggles despite the popularity of his songs due to selling the rights to 'Memphis Blues' early on for a pittance, a decision he deeply regretted.
• His song 'St. Louis Blues' became one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, crossing racial and genre boundaries.
• In his later years, Handy successfully sued an Irish composer who plagiarized 'St. Louis Blues' for the song 'I'm Coming Virginia'.