W.C. Handy: Father of the Blues
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....