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In 1903, on a lonely train platform in Tutwiler, Mississippi, African American composer W.C. Handy encountered a man playing “the weirdest music I had ever heard," an unexpected sound that would soon expand to become the most influential form of American roots music. And although it reverberates to this day across the globe, both on its own and through the many genres of which it is the foundation - including jazz, rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll, soul, and hip-hop - it is still known, quite simply, as the blues. In recognition of the blues’ ongoing impact on music and cultural history both in America and around the world, and in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Handy’s encounter, the United States Congress proclaimed 2003 Year of the Blues (YOTB). Spearheaded by Seattle-based Experience Music Project (EMP) and the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, Year of the Blues aims to raise awareness of the blues, its unique American stories, and its influence in America and around the world. Year of the Blues is being celebrated nationwide through a collection of interrelated blues events, radio and television broadcasts, festivals, and education initiatives. Listen closely and discover a rich, powerful history of people who helped build America and created one of the most influential genres in popular music. The Year of the Blues is sponsored by Volkswagen. |
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W.C. Handy Photo Credit: Michael Ochs Archive |
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Link to YOTB » Link to this page » |
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This is an archived page, and no longer actively updated. As of 2/1/04, its contents, including but not limited to dates and contact information, may no longer be current or accurate. |
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