I barnstormed from coast to coast before Art Hickman made his first trip from San Francisco to New York. That was long before Handy s name was in the picture. Jelly Roll Morton Tony Jackson used to play the Blues in 1905, entitled Michigan Water Tastes Like Sherry Wine. He never sang anything on the stage but Blues, such as Elgin Movements in My Hips, with 20 Years Guarantee. Blues just wasn t considered music - there were hundreds, maybe thousands who could play blues and not another single tune.
Music is such a tremendous proposition that it probably needs government supervision.
There does not seem to be any proper protection for anything in this line. I think one should have conclusive proof before being able to claim a title. I also advocate much more rigid laws so thieves may get their just deserts. There are many who enjoy glory plus financial gain s abundance, even in the millions, who should be digging ditches or sweeping the streets. Lack of proper protection causes this.