Of late, the Music Maker Relief Foundation’s twentieth anniversary has
earned press in the New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, The Nation,
Wondering Sound, and more. But musicians are also praising the
non-profit organization and record label. Here’s what some of roots
music’s leading lights have said:
“We are the Music Makers [the book] highlights an essential part of our
culture, providing us a glimpse into the lives of the amazing, and often
little known, musicians of the American South. Tim Duffy has taken
every opportunity to sustain a dimension of Blues culture that could
easily be lost forever, and nowhere is that more apparent than in his
new book.” –BB King
Clapton said, "Music Maker is a fabulous project, real evidence that the
music I have always loved is alive and well." –Eric Clapton
“I think they’re doing wonderful work and I support them for keeping not
only interest in the blues alive but the musicians themselves... The
photographs in this book are not only beautiful, but reflect the deep
love and dedication The Duffys have for both preserving traditional
Blues culture and providing real support and opportunity for these
wonderful musicians who might otherwise be forgotten.” –Bonnie Raitt
“Some of the best blues comes from unlikely places. Thanks to Music Maker for seeking out the real blues artists.” –Derek Trucks
“Having worked extensively with The Music Maker Relief Foundation, I can
say without a doubt, it is one of the most amazing organizations I have
dealt with. Tim's and Denise's dedication to preserving the quality of
life and the music of these essential and historic musicians is
unsurpassed. Congratulations on 20 years!” –Kenny Wayne Shepherd
"Through the efforts of the Music Makers Relief Foundation, these
amazing people and artists have been able to live dignified lives. In
many cases they were rediscovered during their golden years by Tim and
Denise Duffy, then given the joy of new recognition by their families,
peers and fans world-over!" –Taj Mahal
“I have never seen photographs generate so much of the atmosphere and
personalities of blues music.” –John Cohen, The New Lost City Ramblers
Next up is "We Are The Music Makers," a new book out next week on Nautilus Press; ‘We Are the Music Makers,’ a 2CD set out September 30; and the Homecoming October 3-4 in North Carolina, featuring over 40 musicians performing in concert.
Showing posts with label eric clapton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eric clapton. Show all posts
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
NAUTILUS PRESS CONFIRMS SEPT 15 RELEASE OF “WE ARE THE MUSIC MAKERS” HARDCOVER BOOK WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND STORIES BY TIMOTHY AND DENISE DUFFY
ROLLING STONE AND ERIC CLAPTON HIGHLIGHT SOUTHERN MUSICAL CULTURE NON-PROFIT’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY: http://rol.st/1k0MQ0k
Nautilus Press has confirmed a September 15 release date for the book “We Are The Music Makers: Preserving The Soul Of America’s Music.” Written by Timothy and Denise Duffy, the book features over 65 photographs taken by Tim Duffy over twenty years along with the stories and songs. Tim Duffy's previous book “Portraits and Songs from the Roots of America” was released in 2002 and sold 15,000 copies.
In related news, Rolling Stone recently highlighted the Foundation’s twentieth anniversary by posting an acoustic blues song by Duffy with Eric Clapton. Clapton said, "Music Maker is a fabulous project, real evidence that the music I have always loved is alive and well."
Of the book, B.B. King said, “We are the Music Makers highlights an essential part of our culture, providing us a glimpse into the lives of the amazing, and often little known, musicians of the American South. Tim Duffy has taken every opportunity to sustain a dimension of Blues culture that could easily be lost forever, and nowhere is that more apparent than in his new book.”
Bonnie Raitt added, “The photographs in this book are not only beautiful, but reflect the deep love and dedication The Duffys have for both preserving traditional Blues culture and providing real support and opportunity for these wonderful musicians who might otherwise be forgotten.”
Character sketches and black and white photographs of great American musicians Etta Baker, John Dee Holeman, Jerry ‘Boogie’ McCain, Taj Mahal, Willie King, Othar Turner, Little Freddie King, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ironing Board Sam, and the original guiding light for the Foundation’s formation Guitar Gabriel are shared in the book. The book also highlights other artists nestled deep in southern culture and telling a hidden story of American music. The book also highlights the musician’s place in the southern community, a vital role that serves the laborers.
Photos from the book are here.
In the introduction, Denise writes, “Tim acknowledges a deep obligation to these artists, ‘It is no small thing to ask a musician for their song and their story. The only way we can hope to make an equal exchange is if the documentarian and the artist have a genuine relationship; they must share more than just the moment the photo is taken or the song is captured…’
Days spent sharing songs, food, laughter and far too many miles in vans and airplanes have built the bridges of trust that allow these artists to give their wisdom and art so generously. These artists share their life lessons with us because we are dedicated to presenting their music to the world with reverence and to be partners in their struggle for a better life…
We concluded that our nations musical traditions were suffering from starvation and underemployment… We get gigs for those that want to perform, guitars for those who want to play, and feed the hungry. Our initial grassroots effort to meet the needs of a handful of blues musicians in Winston-Salem, NC, has grown to assist hundreds through the generosity and passion of our supporters, employees and volunteers.”
“We Are the Music Makers” runs 144 pages and will be for sale at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com. List price is $38. It can be pre-ordered here or here.
Nautilus Press has confirmed a September 15 release date for the book “We Are The Music Makers: Preserving The Soul Of America’s Music.” Written by Timothy and Denise Duffy, the book features over 65 photographs taken by Tim Duffy over twenty years along with the stories and songs. Tim Duffy's previous book “Portraits and Songs from the Roots of America” was released in 2002 and sold 15,000 copies.
In related news, Rolling Stone recently highlighted the Foundation’s twentieth anniversary by posting an acoustic blues song by Duffy with Eric Clapton. Clapton said, "Music Maker is a fabulous project, real evidence that the music I have always loved is alive and well."
Of the book, B.B. King said, “We are the Music Makers highlights an essential part of our culture, providing us a glimpse into the lives of the amazing, and often little known, musicians of the American South. Tim Duffy has taken every opportunity to sustain a dimension of Blues culture that could easily be lost forever, and nowhere is that more apparent than in his new book.”
Bonnie Raitt added, “The photographs in this book are not only beautiful, but reflect the deep love and dedication The Duffys have for both preserving traditional Blues culture and providing real support and opportunity for these wonderful musicians who might otherwise be forgotten.”
Character sketches and black and white photographs of great American musicians Etta Baker, John Dee Holeman, Jerry ‘Boogie’ McCain, Taj Mahal, Willie King, Othar Turner, Little Freddie King, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ironing Board Sam, and the original guiding light for the Foundation’s formation Guitar Gabriel are shared in the book. The book also highlights other artists nestled deep in southern culture and telling a hidden story of American music. The book also highlights the musician’s place in the southern community, a vital role that serves the laborers.
Photos from the book are here.
In the introduction, Denise writes, “Tim acknowledges a deep obligation to these artists, ‘It is no small thing to ask a musician for their song and their story. The only way we can hope to make an equal exchange is if the documentarian and the artist have a genuine relationship; they must share more than just the moment the photo is taken or the song is captured…’
Days spent sharing songs, food, laughter and far too many miles in vans and airplanes have built the bridges of trust that allow these artists to give their wisdom and art so generously. These artists share their life lessons with us because we are dedicated to presenting their music to the world with reverence and to be partners in their struggle for a better life…
We concluded that our nations musical traditions were suffering from starvation and underemployment… We get gigs for those that want to perform, guitars for those who want to play, and feed the hungry. Our initial grassroots effort to meet the needs of a handful of blues musicians in Winston-Salem, NC, has grown to assist hundreds through the generosity and passion of our supporters, employees and volunteers.”
“We Are the Music Makers” runs 144 pages and will be for sale at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com. List price is $38. It can be pre-ordered here or here.
Friday, March 21, 2014
About Music Maker Relief Foundation & MMRF Timeline
Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3. Music Maker
aims to keep our Southern culture vital by directly supporting senior
(over 55) American roots musicians in need, expanding their professional
careers, and providing with basic life needs so they can focus on their
art. Music Maker also
assists Next Generation (under 55) artists in the development of their
professional careers. Since the organization’s founding in 1994, Music Maker has assisted hundreds of musicians who represent the traditions of Blues, Gospel, Old-Time String Band, Jazz and more. Music Maker’s
programs ensure the talents of these cultural treasures are accessible
so that our rich musical heritage can be shared with the world and
preserved for future generations.
Living Blues Magazine writes, "North Carolina's Music Maker label has been digging up obscure and blissfully eccentric blues and traditional music characters for most of their 17-year existence."
Living Blues Magazine writes, "North Carolina's Music Maker label has been digging up obscure and blissfully eccentric blues and traditional music characters for most of their 17-year existence."
1991 – Tim Duffy invited to archive his field recordings and
photographs at the Southern Folklife Collection.
1994 – Music Maker Founded in Winston-Salem, NC.
1994 – Our first donation! 2 pallets of Ensure purchased for
elderly artists.
1994 - Guitar Gabriel and Willa Mae Buckner perform at
Carnegie Hall.
1995 - Eric Clapton meets Tim Duffy at Cello Studios; the
two record The MS Blues.
1997 - Tim Duffy Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by
National Guitars.
1998 – Winston-Salem Blues Revival, a 42-city tour, launches
Music Maker around the country with blues legend Taj Mahal.
2001 – Music Maker relocates to Hillsborough, NC.
2002 – Music Maker releases the book Portraits and Songs of
the Roots of America.
2004 – Tim Duffy named person of the week on ABC News with
Peter Jennings.
2005 – DixieFrog Release The Last and Lost Blues Survivors
sells 20,000 copies in France.
2006 – Music Maker Blues Revue begins tours through Europe
yearly.
2006 – Music Maker Blues Revue invited to Byron Bay Blues
Festival yearly.
2007 – Toot Blues Documentary released.
2008 – Music Maker buys a permanent residence for the
organization in Downtown Hillsborough.
2012 – Music Maker awarded a grant from the National
Endowment for the Arts to present a music series in Chapel Hill, NC.
2012 – Music Maker and supporters help purchase a new home
for artist Precious Bryant.
2012 – Partner Artist Ironing Board Sam plays to over
capacity crowd at New Orleans Jazz Fest.
2014 – Music Maker celebrates 20th Anniversary
with a launch of a new book and museum exhibit, We Are the Music Makers.
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