W.C. Handy — Strange Alabama

American blues composer and musician, William Christopher Handy, known as the 'Father of Blues' was born in a log cabin built by his grandfather in Florence, Alabama in 1873. While Handy was not the first to publish music in the blues form, he is credited with giving the genre it's contemporary form.

Each year during early summer, the W. C. Handy Music Festival is held and a 10-day long celebration begins that includes a parade, various artists, and musical events at Wilson Park in downtown Florence. The park features a statue of Handy and is close to his birthplace which is now a museum featuring his trumpet, handwritten music and the piano on which he composed 'St. Louis Blues'.

W. C. Handy's log cabin home museum is located on Seminary Street in Florence and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.