How Legendary Composer W.C. Handy Became The 'Father Of The Blues'

Published November 12, 2018 at 11:20 AM CST

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

W.C. Handy (right) nods approval and chuckles as an eighth-grade pupil, Donell Callaway, 13, wails blues on his trumpet in New York City in 1954. (AP Photo)

The legendary blues composer W.C. Handy will be remembered this week in a series of special performances as a part of the New York Festival of Song.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young talks with Elliott Hurwitt, a music historian and program consultant for the New York Festival of Song, to learn more about Handy’s life and impact.

How Legendary Composer W.C. Handy Became The 'Father Of The Blues'

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.