How did willam christophor handy found out about blues music?

William Christopher Handy, often referred to as the "Father of the Blues," discovered Blues Music while traveling through the southern United States in the early 1900s. He encountered African American musicians playing a unique style of music that incorporated elements of folk, spirituals, and work songs. Handy was particularly struck by the emotional depth and improvisational nature of the music, which inspired him to transcribe and popularize it, leading to the widespread recognition of the blues genre. His compositions, such as "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues," played a pivotal role in bringing blues to a mainstream audience.