The Memphis Blues

Composer: W. C. Handy

Publisher: Theron C. Bennett Co.

Location: New York, New York

Copyright Year: 1912

Form: Blues / Rag

Notes: W. C. Handy is widely known as the “Father of the Blues.” This composition helped solidify Handy’s reputation as an important blues writer after the success of his previous St. Louis Blues. The man featured on this cover is Waiman, a successful violinist in his time. Many cover variations of this piece exist due to its continued popularity throughout the decades. Also published as a song, this second-edition cover for the instrumental version is uncommon as it features the publisher Theron C. Bennett Co. on the cover as opposed to the more common Joe Morris Music Co. that is usually featured on this edition.