Composer W. C. Handy published this 1916 edition of “Saint Louis Blues.” Unlike most composers of the time, Handy retained copyright and started his own publishing company. Notice that the music hall performer (later, the recording artist) was invariably pictured on early sheet music. The cityscape in the background is St. Louis; notice the riverboat approaching the bridge. The large cube in the foreground is a bale of cotton among cotton plants.