Answer
Yes, W. C. Handy's music was greatly influenced by folk music, particularly the blues. He grew up in the Mississippi Delta, a region steeped in African-American musical traditions. Handy's early experiences playing in local bands exposed him to folk melodies, rhythms, and lyrics, which he incorporated into his own compositions. His famous "Father of the Blues" moniker reflects the significant role he played in popularizing and shaping the genre.