W.C. HANDY - COLLECTION - HFSID 90194

W.C. HANDY. Comprises (1) TLS: "W.C. Handy", 1p, 8x10¾. New York, N.Y., 1940 February 13. On letterhead of Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc. to Mr. Lionel A. Aucoin, Spencer, Massachusetts. In full: "This is to acknowledge receipt of fifty cents in stamps for an autographed copy of 'Saint Louis Blues' which goes forward in today's mail, and for which please accept my thanks. Meanwhile, I am also sending you a few bars of music of the 'MEMPHIS BLUES' as per your request. With all good wishes to you". Music mentioned not present. Lightly creased with folds, not at signature. Fine condition. (2) Photograph signed: "W.C. Handy". B/w, 8x6. Image slightly grainy. Fine condition. William Christopher "W.C." Handy (1873-1958), who was known as "The Father of the Blues", adapted "The Memphis Blues" - the first song to use the terms "blues in its title - from a campaign song he wrote in 1909. In 1913, he formed his own music publishing company to protect his musical interests. The following year, he composed and published "St. Louis Blues", one of his most popular tunes. The musician, bandleader and composer had also founded the Handy Record Company (1922) while recording with his band in New York City (1917-1923), but it folded before any recordings were issued. Handy spent the remainder of the 1920s and 1930s working with a number of orchestras before retiring from performing due to failing eyesight. His autobiography, Father of the Blues, was published in 1938. Two items. Framed to an overall size of 31¾x18¼.