W. C. Handy Quote

In the south of long ago, whenever a new man appeared for work in any of the laborers' gangs, he would be asked if he could sing. If he could, he got the job. The singing of these working men set the rhythm for the work, the pounding of the hammers, the swinging of scythes; and the one who sang most lustily soon became straw boss.

Etude Music Magazine (March 1940)