who was w.c handy and what did he contribute to American life

Answer: W.C. Handy, whose full name is William Christopher Handy was an African American composer, musician and music publisher. Born on November 16, 1873, in Florence Alabama, W.C. Handy is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues." He is well known for his role in popularizing the blues, a genre of music that has its roots in the African American history and experience particularly in the Deep South of the United States.

Handy's contribution to American life comes through his impact on music culture. He was among the first to notate and publish blues music bringing the blues from a regional music style to the attention of a wider national audience. One of his most famous compositions is "The St. Louis Blues," which remains a staple in the blues genre. By incorporating elements of folk music and turning them into commercial successes Handy helped pave the way for other genres such as jazz rhythm and blues and rock and roll that were influenced by the blues.

He also helped to validate the blues as a significant American art form which has influenced countless musicians and persisted as a vital force in American and global music. W.C. Handy's music and his work in documenting blues music have had a lasting impact on American culture and the worldwide appreciation of American born music genres.