GRAMMY Museum Mississippi raised a total of $158,000 in donations during the Red, Rhythm, and Blues 2023 Gala.
The sold-out event featured a performance by five-time GRAMMY award-winner Keb’ Mo’, who was recognized as the winner of the fifth annual Crossroads of American Music Award.
Established by the museum’s board of directors, the Crossroads of American Music Award honors an artist who has made significant musical contributions influenced by the creativity born in the cradle of American music.
Past recipients of the Crossroads of American Music Award are GRAMMY winners the late Charley Pride and Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Rush, and Marty Stuart.
“I’m incredibly honored that the Mississippi GRAMMY Museum chose me as the recipient of this year’s Crossroads of American Music award,” Keb’ Mo’ said. “It gives me so much joy to be recognized with this award for doing what I love the most and to be named alongside past recipients such as the legendary Bobby Rush and Jerry Lee Lewis. Thank you, GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. This is an honor I’ll treasure forever.”
This year’s gala also honored Laurel Waldbieser, a Cleveland native and music educator with the fourth annual L.U.C.Y. Award (Lifting Up Children and Youth).
Named after devoted Mississippian and community advocate, Lucy Janoush, the L.U.C.Y. Award celebrates K-12 educators from the state of Mississippi who embody the educational mission of the museum.
“Keb’ Mo’ is a true blues luminary whose music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, embodying the essence of the genre with his unparalleled talent and heartfelt storytelling,” Emily Havens, Executive Director of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, explained. “It was such an honor to celebrate his career where the Delta Blues originated, as well as the achievements of our L.U.C.Y. Award recipient Laurel Waldbieser, with an incredible evening of music and fundraising.”
Items from notable GRAMMY-winning artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Lady Gaga, Keb’ Mo’, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Lainey Wilson, and more were included in a live and silent auction.
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the museum’s education program, which seeks to use music as a gateway to learning by inspiring and cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
