Sheet music for W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues."
W.C. Handy, known as the "Father of the Blues," didn't exactly invent the blues, as his nickname might imply. Instead, this savvy African-American songwriter and publisher tapped into the soul of his people and took their rustic sound — a combination of work songs, field hollers and spirituals — and shared it with the rest of the world. He popularized The Blues.
"St. Louis Blues" was his best-known tune. It made Handy millions in royalties, inspired multiple motion pictures and was recorded by America's top jazz artists. Nine decades since its original release, the song continues to be reinvented in every imaginable setting, from classical music orchestras to rock 'n' roll acts. Here are a few "jazzy" versions.
Evolution Of A Song: 'St. Louis Blues'
Ray Bryant
- Album: Solo Flight
- Song: St. Louis Blues
W.C. Handy's father, a fire-and-brimstone preacher, once said, "Sonny, I'd rather follow you to the grave than to see you be a musician" — unless, of course, he chose to play the church organ. Thankfully, Handy ignored his father's advice and bought a guitar instead. Pianist Ray Bryant, who died last June, was also steeped in the sound of the black church. He almost always included "St. Louis Blues" in his live performances.
Hear Bryant's version of "St. Louis Blues" on Rhapsody.
Wycliffe Gordon
- Album: Slidin' Home
- Song: St. Louis Blues
The catchy quality and charm of "St. Louis Blues" is often attributed to the "tango" section, in which Handy employs Cuba's habanera rhythm in the 16-bar bridge. This is often referred to as the "Spanish Tinge" in the New Orleans jazz tradition. Handy was deeply moved by the tango during his travels to Cuba with a minstrel troupe in 1900. Crescent City's own trombonist, Wycliffe Gordon, lays the Spanish Tinge on thick with his own modern interpretation.
Hear Gordon's version of "St. Louis Blues" at Rhapsody.
Comments
Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.