Will Coppage (vocals, guitar). Stud Ford & Will Coppage @ Blues Rules Crissier Festival, Crissier (VD), Switzerland, 06.06.2025. (c) Christophe Losberger
The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) has announced the FY26–FY29 Artist Roster, naming Will Coppage among a distinguished group of Mississippi-based artists selected through a competitive, panel-reviewed process.
The MAC Artist Roster represents exceptional artistic talent across the state. Artists are selected by panels of professional artists, presenters, and educators based on artistic excellence, community impact, and the ability to meaningfully engage Mississippi audiences.
Coppage is a Mississippi Delta-based songwriter, performer, and educator. His songwriting is rooted in Mississippi’s music traditions while pushing those foundations forward through modern, indie-influenced storytelling. A U.S. military veteran, Coppage holds both a BFA and MFA in Creative Writing and has years of experience teaching at the college level, allowing him to merge literary craft with musical expression and songwriting.
“My work is about honoring where we come from while giving others the tools to tell their own stories honestly and boldly,” said Coppage. “Being included on the Mississippi Arts Commission Artist Roster is an honor, and it reinforces the importance of Mississippi’s living, evolving creative culture.”
Coppage has toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, including performances across Europe. His recent collaborations with Stud Ford—grandson of blues legend T-Model Ford—underscore his ongoing commitment to preserving Mississippi’s musical heritage while expanding its reach to new audiences at home and abroad.
In addition to more than 20 years of performance experience, Coppage’s background also includes nearly 10 years in Delta-focused economic development and consulting. Coppage is a member of the International Singer-Songwriters Association and the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance. His is original songs are registered with ASCAP.
Organizations across Mississippi may apply for grant funding to present MAC’s Roster Artists. Coppage’s Artist Roster profile, along with information on applying for MAC grant support to hire him, is available at: https://arts.ms.gov/artist/will-coppage. To learn more about the Mississippi Arts Commission Artist Roster and view the full list of selected artists, visit arts.ms.gov/artist-roster.
ABOUT WILL COPPAGE
Will Coppage is a Mississippi Delta-based songwriter, performer, and educator whose work blends literary storytelling with roots-driven, forward-looking music. A U.S. military veteran, award-winning author and visual artist, and multi-instrumentalist, Coppage draws from Mississippi’s cultural landscape to create songs that blend cinematic storytelling and poetic lyricism with raw, unfiltered stage energy.
About the Author
