FLORENCE — As a child listening to his father and grandfather deliver sermons and the choir deliver praise at Greater St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Florence, W.C. Handy heard the word and felt the music. That hometown sound inspired and influenced his work, leading him to become known as the “Father of the Blues.”
William Christopher Handy (1873-1958) was an internationally recognized composer of songs such as the famous “St. Louis Blues” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSuTTSOctGw). His 1912 publication of “The Memphis Blues” (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/Victor_Military_Band-The_Memphis_Blues.ogg) is considered to be the first blues songs written as sheet music.
The Handy Home and Museum is on College Street in Florence, and each July, his hometown honors his contributions to music with a 10-day festival featuring performances around the Shoals. This year, the W.C. Handy Music Festival runs July 22-31.
One of the largest events of the festival is UNA Night, held on North Court Street in front of UNA’s Rogers Hall. This year’s event, July 26 from 6-9 p.m., features Bo & The Boys and Off the Chain. Special co-hosts will be Miss UNA 2022 Claire Hendrickson and alumnus and radio personality Hunter Jackson of 101.5 FM.
Bishop Alexander, director of UNA Alumni Relations, said being involved offers UNA the chance to partner with the Shoals community to honor Handy’s life and legacy.
“The best part is it gives UNA alumni, faculty, staff, and students opportunities to learn more about the rich music history within the Shoals community by attending various Handy events that showcase talented musicians from around the world,” Alexander said.
Because it is an outdoor event in July, Alexander encourages everyone to bring lawn chairs, fans, ice coolers, and food-truck money.
“In case of rain, the event will move to the UNA Mane Room,” he said. “We are monitoring the weather and will make sure everyone knows in advance if anything changes.”
Smashed, Alabama Bliss Bistro, Happi Pappi Beignets, and festival-favorite funnel cakes are food trucks scheduled to be available.
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