Final answer:
W.C. Handy, referred to as the "Father of the Blues," did indeed get his blues compositions published, thereby greatly influencing the genre's development and spread. This in turn supported the rise of renowned artists like Bessie Smith, who became known as the "Empress of the Blues".
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that W.C Handy is the "Father of the Blues" and had his music published is true. W.C. Handy played a pivotal role in popularizing blues music by transcribing and publishing it, allowing it to reach a broader audience. His work capturing the rhythms and melodies he heard in black American communities was integral to the formalization of blues music, and as such, he's often credited as "the Father of the Blues".
Handy's contribution not only preserved but also shared the essence of the blues with wider audiences, influencing generations of musicians and music lovers. One of his most famous compositions includes "The St. Louis Blues".
This expansion of blues aided the public emergence of artists like Bessie Smith, who was known as the "Empress of the Blues". Bessie Smith's profound impact on the genre, especially during the Harlem Renaissance, was significant as well through her recordings and collaborations with other prominent musicians such as Louis Armstrong.