W.C. Handy

W. C. Handy, age 19

William Christopher Handy (November 16, 1873 – March 28, 1958) was a blues composer and musician. He was widely known as the "Father of the Blues". Handy remains among the most influential of American songwriters. Though he was one of many musicians who played the distinctively American form of music known as the blues, he is credited with giving it its contemporary form. Handy was an educated musician who used folk material in his compositions. He was scrupulous in documenting the sources of his works, which frequently combined stylistic influences from several performers. He loved this folk musical form and brought his own transforming touch to it.

Source: wikipedia | mythical

Twins

Millie and Christine McCoy (1851-1912) were conjoined twins born into slavery. They and their mother were sold to a showman, Joseph Smith. Smith and his wife educated the girls; they eventually could speak five languages, dance, play music, and sing. They were known as 'The Two Headed Nightingale'. In the 1880s they retired and purchased a small farm. Millie died of tuberculosis at age 61, with Christine following hours later. They remain one of the oldest-lived set of conjoined twins.

Daisy and Violet Hilton (1908-1969), conjoined twins. The pretty and talented twins worked in the sideshow and vaudeville (with Bob Hope). They also appeared in the movies 'Freaks' and 'Chained for Life'. They had a few short-lived publicity marriages. They couldn't get work in the 60s and ended up abandoned by their manager and penniless. They worked at a supermarket the last eight years of their lives. After not reporting for work, it was discovered they had died of influenza.

Life was difficult for these sets of conjoined twins because they are what society called not "normal". However, they did a great job going on with their lives the best they could. It is encouraging how we as a society is now more accepting toward people who are "different".

Source:  pinterest