WC Handy was born in Florence, Alabama, on November 16, 1873. He began playing music at an early age and was drawn to the blues, a musical form that was popular among African Americans in the rural South. Handy traveled throughout the South, performing with various blues bands and absorbing the different regional styles of the music.
In 1912, Handy published his first blues composition, "Memphis Blues". The song was a huge success and helped to popularize the blues with a wider audience. Handy went on to write many other blues classics, including "St. Louis Blues", "Beale Street Blues", and "Yellow Dog Blues".
In addition to his compositions, Handy also played an important role in promoting the blues. He organized and led the first touring blues band, and he also wrote about the blues in newspapers and magazines. Handy's efforts helped to bring the blues to a global audience and made it one of the most influential genres of American music.
WC Handy died in New York City on March 28, 1958. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the blues and his music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.