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Linear Feet: Collection contains one item in one folder.

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, NY.

Administrative Information

Statement of Provenance: Collection was purchased in June 2002.

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Biographical 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, TN. 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.

Scope and Content: “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, NY.

One collection in the UT Special Collections Library, the Sheet Music Collection in MS-1130, has Handy’s song "The Basement Blues."

Keywords
William C. Handy
George A. Norton
Song lyrics
Memphis, TN
New York City, NY
Blues music