Robert Kimbrough Sr. of Ashland, Mississippi, has been awarded a $4,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the nearly $1.4 million in grants the Commission awarded in 2018–2019 and will be used to record new material. The grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Mississippi boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to artistic talent in our state,” said Malcolm White, executive director of MAC. “MAC is proud to support the artists selected to receive grant awards from MAC this year. These individuals should be commended for their commitment to artistic excellence as well as their ability to communicate complex thoughts and emotions through the arts.”
Robert Kimbrough Sr says of the award:
“My father is Mississippi Cotton Patch Soul Blues legend Junior Kimbrough. I learned how to play music from my father and older brothers. I began playing Blues at the age of five and have continued in my father’s footsteps carrying on our family tradition. My professional music career began in 2008. I have four self-released CDs and one live recording available. All of my music is original material.
“I have performed to people all over the world, here in Mississippi and abroad. I represented North Mississippi Blues in Switzerland at the Blues Cruisser in 2017, in the Czech Republic at the Blues Alive Concert November of 2018, and in Landcaster, Pennsylvania, with the Mississippi Juke Joint Ambassadors, a super group with musicians from South America and Mississippi.
“Touring the world playing my music to a new and receptive audience is a thrilling experience. A growing fan base is essential to my continued success. It is vital for me to play my music to new ears. Traveling outside of Mississippi to perform my art is an excellent opportunity to gain new fans. Mississippi Blues is in my blood, and is my transportation in life. The MAC grant I received will fund tour costs. I am grateful for my award.”
The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency serving residents of the state by providing grants that support programs to enhance communities, assist artists and arts organizations, promote the arts in education, and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. Established in 1968, the MAC is funded by the Mississipi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Mississippi Endowment for the Arts, and other private sources. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community ife and in arts education.
For information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Anna Ehrgott, communications director, 601-359-6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov.
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