Born: 11/16/1873 Florence, Alabama

Died: 3/28/1958 New York City, New York

W. C. Handy was an American blues composer and musician. He was widely known as the "Father of the Blues"

Awards / Achievements:

• The Blues Music Award, widely recognized as the most prestigious award for blues artists was known as the W. C. Handy Award until the name change in 2006.<br/>The W. C. Handy Music Festival is held annually in Florence, Alabama and the greater Shoals area.