W. C. Handy

Full Name: William Christopher Handy
Profession: Musician and Father of the Blues

Nationality:

Why Famous: One of the most influential American songwriters W. C. Handy is known as the "Father of the Blues".

While he did not create the blues genre he took it from a regional music style (Delta blues) with a limited audience to one of the dominant national forces in American music.

Born: November 16, 1873
Birthplace: Florence, Alabama, USA
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: March 28, 1958 (aged 84)
Cause of Death: Bronchial pneumonia