Father Of The Blues: An Autobiography (Da Capo Paperback)
by W. C. Handy
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Book Summary Information
Author: W. C. HandyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1991-03-21
ISBN: 0306804212
Number of pages: 340
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Book Reviews of Father Of The Blues: An Autobiography (Da Capo Paperback)
Book Review: Memories hung on songs
Summary: 5 Stars
W. C. Handy's autobiography is a fascinating story. The historical information about early blues provides an excellent overview of his experiences with different musical groups. The descriptions of his performances on street corners, with minstrel groups, in nightclubs such as Pee Wee's on Beale Street, and on the concert stage are especially vivid and engaging. I also was interested in his descriptions of the various musical genres that formed the basis for the development of blues and jazz. His descriptions of various style of music helps readers piece together the history of this "pre-blues" music, and Handy's observations show that the story is far more complex than the contention that blues evolved from "simple" field hollers. Handy also provides an interesting discussion of his own role in shaping blues music. He modestly describes his contributions in publishing and popularizing the genre, and he doesn't make any claim to be the "Father of the Blues." Instead, he suggests that its roots are with the forgotten singers such as the blues guitarist whom he listened to in Tutwiler, MS in 1903. Handy's autobiography also challenges the idea that Memphis was the original home of the blues. He writes that Memphis gained that credit because of its publishing industry, and he suggests that other cities, such as New Orleans, also were homes to blues singers prior to the Memphis blues connections. Along with the wealth of historical information and personal reminiscences, the book also is finely written. Handy was well read and eloquent, and he blends together the traditional proverbs and old sayings of African-American folk traditions with insights from contemporary writers, thinkers, artists, and musicians. Handy, himself, emerges as a man of integrity and perseverance, who openly discusses the racial tensions and overt bigotry that he faced, but who also emerged with an inspiring dignity and life-affirming peace-of-mind.
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