WINNERS OF THE 42nd BLUES MUSIC AWARDS TO BE ANNOUNCED IN

VIRTUAL CELEBRATION ON JUNE 6, 2021 4PM CT

Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Bobby Rush, Shemekia Copeland, and Cristone “Kingfish” Ingram,

Keb’ Mo’ are among the masterful musicians vying for honors

a virtual program presented by The Blues Foundation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Blues Foundation will bring an elevated viewing experience to blues fans worldwide with the 2021 Blues Music Awards Presented by Global Electronic Technology, the 42nd Annual Blues Music Awards (BMAs) will be broadcast Sunday, June 6 at 4:00 pm CT on Mandolin, the streaming platform chosen by blues musicians and blues fans everywhere. The 42nd Blues Music Awards coincides with the 42nd annual celebration of Black Music Month, which recognizes the immeasurable influence of Black artists and their music on America’s musical traditions.

Big Llou will host blues music’s most acclaimed awards program with announcements of award winners across 25 categories. Program highlights will include surprise performances and special guest appearances and performances.

Widely recognized as the highest honor bestowed by the blues community, the BMAs applaud the past year’s exceptional achievements in blues music recording, performance, and songwriting. The expansive list of nominees reflects the widening influence of blues music and blues artists. Topping the nomination chart this year again is Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, Shemekia Copeland, and John Németh. Nominees include many well-known acts, both in and out of the blues world. Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famers Dion and Elvin Bishop, rising Americana star Rhiannon Giddens, and Blues Hall of Famer Bettye LaVette are each BMA nominees this year.

The complete list of Blues Music Award nominees can be found on The Blues Foundation’s website here and listen to the BMA Nominee Spotify Playlist here.

Fans can purchase general admission tickets or VIP tickets that include admission to the pre-show virtual Blues Lounge sponsored by Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise featuring Art Tipaldi’s lively backstage conversation with Elvin Bishop, Thornetta Davis, Dion DiMucci, Harrison Kennedy, and Sugaray Rayford.

This online experience will give viewers a chance to share their enthusiasm and comments with fellow blues fans watching worldwide as they celebrate blues’ biggest night together.

Only members of The Blues Foundation are eligible to vote for the BMAs. Voting closed on March 12, 2021, at 11:59 pm CT. Blues Foundation membership costs as little as $25 per year. Visit www.BLUES.org and click on “Join” to learn about membership, donations and to help keep the blues thriving around the world.

The Blues Foundation is a world-renowned Memphis-based organization whose mission is to preserve blues heritage, celebrate blues recording and performance, expand worldwide awareness of the blues, and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. Founded in 1980, the Foundation has approximately 4,000 individual members and 180 affiliated blues societies representing another 50,000 fans and professionals worldwide. Its signature honors and events — the Blues Music Awards, Blues Hall of Fame inductions, International Blues Challenge, and Keeping the Blues Alive Awards – make it the international hub of blues music. The Blues Foundation’s COVID – 19 Blues Musician Relief Fund and HART Fund provide financial and medical assistance for musicians in need, while Blues in the Schools programs and Generation Blues Scholarships expose new generations to blues music.