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Known to the world as the “Father of the Blues”, William Christopher Handy was born in a simple log cabin in Florence, Alabama on Nov. 16, 1873, and lived in Florence until age nineteen. He was influenced both by sacred church music and by the songs of workers along the Tennessee River docks. He was the first to capture the music of the Soul on paper. Handy composed the famous tunes St. Louis Blues, Beale Street Blues, Yellow Dog Blues and Memphis Blues.
Handy donated his personal papers, artifacts and other items before his death in 1958. Today, The W.C. Handy Cabin, Museum and Library is dedicated to one of Florence's most famous sons and his music.
"Life is like a trumpet - if you don't put anything into it, you don't get anything out of it"
William Christopher Handy
In July, the annual WC Handy Music Festival is held in Florence.
W.C. Handy Museum and Library Hours, Contact Info and Location Map
W.C. Handy Museum and Library Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday: 10 am - 4 pmTours last approximately 45 minutes.
Ticket prices range from $5 to $12.
- Phone - 256.760.6434
- Email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Website - www.wchandymuseum.org
620 West College Street
Florence, AL 35630 (click to view a map)
From the Natchez Trace - Exit the parkway near milepost 336 onto Alabama Highway 20 OR near milepost 333 onto Lauderdale County Road 14 and travel east 15 miles to Florence.
