W.C. Handy's Collection Of Negro Spirituals For Mixed Voices, Male Voices Also Vocal Solos With Piano Accompaniment. Was published in 1938 by Handy Brothers Co.Inc. 1st page was also signed and dedicated by W.C. on the 1st page. Please, note, this does not come with a COA. First Edition. A collection of 32 Negro spirituals. Is approx 7" x 10" and is in good, vintage condition with discoloration, and the top right has a curl on its pages. William Christopher Handy (November 16, 1873 – March 28, 1958) was a composer and musician who referred to himself as the Father of the Blues. Handy was one of the most influential songwriters in the United States. One of many musicians who played the distinctively American blues music, Handy did not create the blues genre but was the first to publish music in the blues form, thereby taking the blues from a regional music style (Delta blues) with a limited audience to a new level of popularity. Handy was an educated musician who used elements of folk music in his compositions. He was scrupulous in documenting the sources of his works, which frequently combined stylistic influences from various performers.