Title: William C. Handy Song Lyrics

Date/Date Range :   1942 January 1

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:

"The Memphis Blues of Mister Crump" song lyrics by William C. Handy and George A. Norton are signed by Handy and dated January 1st, 1942, from New York City, NY.

Call number: MS-2368

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

Collection was purchased by Special Collections in June of 2002.

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], William C. Handy Song Lyrics, MS-2368. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of a single folder.

William Christopher Handy (1873-1958) was an African-American musician, composer, bandleader, writer, and publisher, known as the "Father of the Blues." He was born in Alabama and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba. From 1907 to 1917, Handy and his wife lived in Memphis, TN. There he wrote his most famous song, "St. Louis Blues" (1914). However, it was "The Memphis Blues" that garnered his first national attention. The music, originally titled "Mr. Crump" served as Edward H. Crump's 1909 mayoral campaign song. A New York composer to whom Handy sold the song rights added the lyrics in 1912, and the song's popularity skyrocketed along with Handy's following.

"The Memphis Blues of Mister Crump" song lyrics by William C. Handy and George A. Norton are signed by Handy and dated January 1st, 1942, from New York City, NY.

One collection in the UT Special Collections Library, the Sheet Music Collection in MS-1130, has Handy's song "The Basement Blues."

• Handy, W.C. (William Christopher), 1873-1958.
• Norton, George A., 1880-1923.
• Blues (Music) -- 1941-1950.
• Popular music -- 1941-1950.