William Christopher (W. C.) Handy saved up his hard earned money to buy a guitar. But after he got the guitar, his dad made him trade it in for a dictionary. However, that did not stop W. C. Handy from becoming a famous musician.

W. C. Handy was born on November 16, 1873 in Florence, Alabama. He grew up in a log house that his father had built. When W. C. Handy was a child, he had a keen interest in music. He joined a local band when he was a teenager but kept this as a secret from his parents.

W. C. got a job as a teacher. Very soon he figured out that teaching paid quite poorly. During this time he continued playing in bands. While his band was playing in Henderson, Kentucky, he met Elizabeth Price. They were married on July 19, 1896.

In 1909, Handy’s band moved to Memphis where they established their headquarters on Beale Street. It was here he wrote "Mr. Crump" which was later renamed "Memphis Blues" and was published in 1912. The most famous song he wrote was called "St. Louis Blues."

W. C. Handy’s wife Elizabeth died in 1937. He died in 1958. W. C. Handy is known as the "Father of the Blues" and is still remembered today for his wonderful blues music.