Why was W.c handy considered the farther of blues?

W.C. Handy is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues" due to his significant role in popularizing the genre in the early 20th century. He composed several iconic blues songs, such as "St. Louis Blues," which helped to bring Blues Music into mainstream culture. Handy's ability to blend traditional African American musical elements with popular music styles of the time made his work accessible to a wider audience, paving the way for future blues artists. His contributions helped establish the blues as a foundational genre in American music.