Memphis Blues, The (string quartet)

Title: The Memphis Blues

Composer: W. C. Handy, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin 1; Violin 2; Viola; Cello

Printout: 8 pages

Note: First published in 1912, The Memphis Blues was an immediate hit. Together with St Louis Blues and Beale Street, it helped launch Handy’s career as a composer and publisher. Blues music is not always “blue” in its mood. The Memphis Blues is actually quite jaunty and incorporates well into jazz, ragtime and popular music sets.