William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. During his childhood, his family discouraged his interest in music. Despite all odds, W.C. Handy established an illustrious career in music after high school leading him to be dubbed “the Father of the Blues.” Handy passed away on March 28, 1958, in New York City.
Since 1982, the Music Preservation Society of Alabama Shoals has held a weeklong music festival in honor of Handy’s musical achievements in Florence, Alabama. The William Christopher Handy Digital Archival Collection contains memorabilia related to the impact of the festival and Handy himself on the Shoals area.
Submissions from 2026
"W.C. Handy Plays a Prominent Part at ASCAP's Festival of American Music", American Society of Composers
"Twenty-Third Psalm," signed sheet music, Lillian Evanti and Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
Order Form for Unsung Americans Sung by W.C. Handy, W. C. Handy
"Pasadena: Romanza Occidental," signed sheet music, W. C. Handy
"Shine Like a Mornin' Star," signed sheet music, W. C. Handy
"Unsung Americans Sung" list of Songs, W. C. Handy
Chamber Committee Begins Work on Handy Shrine, Wilma Hardin
"How the First Song was Born," signed sheet music, Alexander Hill and Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
"How Like a Rose is Love," Signed Sheet Music, Hal Hode, Peter Tinturin, and Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
Collier Library Archives Adds Music to Collection, Laura Jane Jenkins and Greg Biggers
"Opportunity," signed sheet music, Walter Malone, W. C. Handy, and Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
"There's a Red Glow in the Sky Above Vesuvius," signed sheet music, Andy Razaf, William C. Handy, and Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
"Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled", Russell Smith and Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
Obituary & Memorial Article, The Florence Times
The Handy News, The Music House of Handy
Annotated Broadway Daily News Clipping Featuring Handy, Danton Walker
