Correspondence: Irma Lou Handy and W.C. Handy to Carol Bridgeman, 1954
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of manuscripts and other items from the library of American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) editor Ted Livingston relating to W.C. Handy (1873-1958). Handy had a major influence on 20th century American popular music by being the first to translate the blues into a compositional form. His “Memphis Blues” (1912) was the first blues to be published and printed. His “St. Louis Blues” achieved great success and is one of the most recorded songs ever written. For this reason, Livingston made it the subject of a brief essay, vetted by Handy, for an ASCAP series of booklets on stories behind songs. Besides drafts of this essay and correspondence relating to it, the collection contains a number of items of biographical interest concerning Handy.
Dates
- Creation: 1954
Creator
- From the Collection: Handy, W.C. (William Christopher), 1873-1958 (Person)
- From the Collection: Livingston, Ted (Person)
Biographical / Historical
Irma Lou Handy and W. C. Handy to Carol Bridgeman, ASCAP, type letter signed, 11 January 1954. 1 p. Re: Making New Years resolutions for 1954 and appearing on “LIFE BEGINS AT 80”; also thanks Bridgeman for Christmas card.
Extent
From the Collection: 7 Folder(s) (1/2 letter document box with 7 file folders) ; 1/2 letter document box (12.5 x 2.5 x 10.25 as defined by UNLV Archives Calculator)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Watkinson Library - Archival Collections Repository
Trinity College Library
300 Summit St.
Hartford Connecticut 06106