W.C. Handy - Father of the Blues

In addition to the nine performances of Handy songs included on this Blues Foundation of Memphis-produced document, there is also a wealth of interview excerpts from 1950 to 1955. The music is wide-ranging, from a 1923 instrumental "Memphis Blues" cut by Handy's Orchestra up to a 1962 Louis Armstrong remote. Also included is a 1934 aircheck vocal take of the aforementioned "Memphis Blues" sung by Mae West with The Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as the 1929 film soundtrack to Bessie Smith's St. Louis Blues. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide