Guest
Will Handy grows up in Memphis with his preacher father and his Aunt Hagar. His father intends for him to use his musical gifts only in church, but he can't stay away from the music of the streets and workers. After he writes a theme song for a local politician, Gogo, a speakeasy singer, convinces Will to be her accompanist. Will is estranged from his father for many years while he writes and publishes many blues songs. At last the family is reunited when Gogo brings them to New York to see Will's music played by a symphony orchestra. Katharine Handy Lewis singing The Memphis Blues : Katherine Handy Lewis intended this album as a surprise for her father W.C. Handy, often remembered as the “Father of the Blues.“ Having grown up with his style of music, she reproduces it better than anyone. Ms. Lewis is accompanied by James P. Johnson. 1958 Folkways.
