W. C. Handy quotes

Life is like a trumpet. If you don't put anything into it, you don't get anything out. (W. C. Handy)
The blues - the sound of a sinner on revival day. View quote
W. C. Handy
I think America concedes that true American music has sprung from the Negro. View quote
W. C. Handy
Setting my mind on a musical instrument was like falling in love. All the world seemed bright and changed. View quote
W. C. Handy
If my serenade of song and story should serve as a pillow for some composer's head, as yet perhaps unborn, to dream and build on our fond melodies in his tomorrow, I have not labored in vain. View quote
W. C. Handy
With a guitar I would be able to express the things I felt in sounds. View quote
W. C. Handy
Nature was my kindergarten. View quote
W. C. Handy
My big ears indicated a talent for music. This thrilled me. View quote
W. C. Handy
I think America concedes that (true American music) has sprung from the negro. When we take these things that come from the art of the Negro and from the heart of the man farthest down. View quote
W. C. Handy
Whenever I heard the song of a bird and the answering call of its mate, I could visualize the notes in scale, all built up within my consciousness as a natural symphony. View quote
W. C. Handy
Saving was slow and painful. (W. C. Handy)
You've got to appreciate the things that come from the art of the Negro and from the heart of the man farthest down. View quote
W. C. Handy
I knew the whistle of each of the river boats on the Tennessee. View quote
W. C. Handy
The name of my ailment was longing, and it was not cured till I finally went to the department store and counted out the money in small coins before the dismayed clerk. When I came to the house, I held up the instrument before the eyes of the astonished household. View quote
W. C. Handy