William Christopher Handy citations

“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.”

“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.”

“Nature was my kindergarten.”

“Setting my mind on a musical instrument was like falling in love. All the world seemed bright and changed.”

“I think America concedes that true American music has sprung from the Negro.”

“The blues - the sound of a sinner on revival day.”

“With a guitar I would be able to express the things I felt in sounds.”

“My big ears indicated a talent for music. This thrilled me.”