# 1372 - 1969 6c W. C. Handy
Issue Date: May 17, 1969
City: Memphis, TN
Quantity: 125,555,000
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Lithographed, engraved
Perforations: 11
Color: Violet, deep lilac and blue
Death Of W.C. Handy
William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. As a child he apprenticed in carpentry, shoemaking, and plastering, but had a love of music largely inspired by his time in church.
In his teens, Handy worked on a shovel brigade at the McNabb furnace. While the men waited for the furnace to work, they made music with their shovels to pass the time. As Handy described it, “the effect was sometimes remarkable… It was better to us than the music of a martial drum corps.” Handy went on to work briefly as a teacher and then in a pipe works plant. In his free time he created a string orchestra and taught people how to read music.
Then in 1900 Handy was hired to teach music at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (AAMC). He remained there for two years but was discouraged that they focused on classic European music, rather than that created in America. After leaving the school in 1902, Handy traveled around Mississippi to explore African American music. He then rejoined the Minstrels before organizing a new band – the Knights of Pythias.
The Knights of Pythias began playing clubs on Memphis’ Beale Street in 1909. That same year, Handy was hired to write a campaign song for mayoral candidate Edward Crump. Handy later changed the song and called it “Memphis Blues.” He published the sheet music for it, which led to its popularity. This song was also the inspiration for the foxtrot dance. Though Handy didn’t invent the Blues, and wasn’t the first to publish it, he is credited with popularizing it outside of region and making it one of America’s leading musical styles.
In 1929 Handy worked with RCA to produce a short film named after his hit – Saint Louis Blues. Handy personally asked Bessie Smith to star in it, as she had gained popularity from singing the song a few years earlier. The film was a success and continued to be shown for three years.
Issue Date: May 17, 1969
City: Memphis, TN
Quantity: 125,555,000
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Lithographed, engraved
Perforations: 11
Color: Violet, deep lilac and blue
Death Of W.C. Handy
William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. As a child he apprenticed in carpentry, shoemaking, and plastering, but had a love of music largely inspired by his time in church.
In his teens, Handy worked on a shovel brigade at the McNabb furnace. While the men waited for the furnace to work, they made music with their shovels to pass the time. As Handy described it, “the effect was sometimes remarkable… It was better to us than the music of a martial drum corps.” Handy went on to work briefly as a teacher and then in a pipe works plant. In his free time he created a string orchestra and taught people how to read music.
Then in 1900 Handy was hired to teach music at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (AAMC). He remained there for two years but was discouraged that they focused on classic European music, rather than that created in America. After leaving the school in 1902, Handy traveled around Mississippi to explore African American music. He then rejoined the Minstrels before organizing a new band – the Knights of Pythias.
The Knights of Pythias began playing clubs on Memphis’ Beale Street in 1909. That same year, Handy was hired to write a campaign song for mayoral candidate Edward Crump. Handy later changed the song and called it “Memphis Blues.” He published the sheet music for it, which led to its popularity. This song was also the inspiration for the foxtrot dance. Though Handy didn’t invent the Blues, and wasn’t the first to publish it, he is credited with popularizing it outside of region and making it one of America’s leading musical styles.
In 1929 Handy worked with RCA to produce a short film named after his hit – Saint Louis Blues. Handy personally asked Bessie Smith to star in it, as she had gained popularity from singing the song a few years earlier. The film was a success and continued to be shown for three years.