Wc Handy

W.C. Handy was born in Florence, Alabama in 1873. He worked as a bandleader in Memphis, where he composed 'Memphis Blues' in 1909. That song became his most famous work, capturing a sound that had been developing in African-American communities for some time.

Handy wrote over 150 compositions, including 'St. Louis Blues.' His music drew from work songs, field hollers, and spirituals, bringing blues to wider attention. He collaborated with artists like Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong.

In 1958, Handy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the first African-American musician to receive that honor. He was also awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP.