Memphis, TN --
The Blues Foundation announces that its annual recognition of the finest in blues performances and recordings will be re-named "The Blues Music Awards." "This is a move to bring broader visibility to the music we love." noted Board President Kevin Kane. The 27th annual celebration of blues excellence, now known as "The Blues Music Awards," will be held at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis on Thursday, May 11, 2006.
The reason for the change is simple-to make it easier for every person who comes into contact with the name to understand what the awards honor - excellence and achievement in blues music. The move is consistent with The Blues Foundation's consolidation and standardization of the logos it utilizes for its various programs and events. It will reinforce The Blues Foundation's focus on ensuring the future of this uniquely American musical art form.
While the formal name of the award and the award show has varied over the years, the Handy name has been associated with the actual award since its inception in the Fall of 1980. Since the early '90s, the genre's highest honors have been officially known as the W.C. Handy Blues Awards, in recognition of the man commonly referred to as "The Father of the Blues" because of his role in popularizing the music.
The Blues Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Blues history, celebrating Blues excellence and supporting Blues education. It is the umbrella organization for a worldwide network of 150 affiliated blues societies and has individual members around the globe. In addition to the producing the Blues Music Awards, the Foundation annual inducts individuals and recordings into the Blues Hall of Fame, sponsors the International Blues Challenge and presents the “Keeping the Blues Alive” Awards.
