William C. Handy Song Lyrics
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 a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
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