For Immediate Release
from the Blues Foundation
January 8, 2002

Memphis, TN - Eighteen dedicated Blues enthusiasts received The Blues Foundation's 2002 Keeping The Blues Alive (KBA) Award. The Awards were presented to each of the recipients during a recognition banquet held on Sunday February 10, 2002 as part of the BluesFirst convention. The ceremony will take place at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Memphis at 11:30a.m. Bob Porter, host of the syndicated Blues radio program, “Portrait in Blue” will host the awards.

The KBA Awards are given each year to individuals and organizations that have contributed greatly to the growth and vitality of Blues music. Recipients range from Blues societies and clubs to corporate sponsors and radio personalities, as well as writers and educators. Like the Handy Awards, which are bestowed on America’s best Blues artists, musicians and recordings, the KBA Awards recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of non-performers in the Blues world. The KBA Award recipients are chosen annually through an intense selection process by a committee of professional Blues industry representatives.