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William C. Handy Song Lyrics

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2368

  • Staff Only

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, N.Y.

Dates

  • 1942 January 1

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Conditions Governing Use

The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

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, N.Y.

Biographical/Historical Note

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, Tenn. 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.

Arrangement

Collection consists of a single folder.

Acquisition Note

Collection was purchased by Special Collections in June of 2002.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480