Featured Event: Mississippi Celebrates Its GRAMMY(R) Legacy With Star-Studded Gala

On Thursday, May 29, Mississippi continued its tradition as the birthplace of America's music with a star-studded gala event in Jackson hosted by Governor Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour titled "Mississippi - The Birthplace of America's Music-Celebrating Its Grammy(R) Legacy."

In announcing the event, Governor Barbour said, "Last year's salute to Grammy(R) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the award was a total success and gave us occasion to reflect on just how significant the contribution of Mississippi artists has been over the years. From Elvis to B.B. King to Leontyne Price, we cover the gamut: rock, gospel, blues, soul, opera; if it's music, it's Mississippi and that's a big source of pride for us."

Sponsored by Peavey Electronics and the Mississippi Development Authority, the Grammy(R) event was preceded by a reception at the Governor's Mansion, hosted by the Governor and First Lady, where Hartley and Mary Peavey assisted in awarding the Peavey Awards to participating performing artists. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Mississippi Blues Commission whose Blues Trail project places interpretive markers at notable historical sites related to the history and growth of the blues throughout the state.

The event brought together an array of performing talent reflecting the diversity of the state's unparalleled role in many genres of music. The program related to the contributions of Mississippians to America's musical heritage and Grammy(R) recognition on multiple levels. Participating artists included country music songwriting legend Paul Overstreet; R&B/Pop star Brandy, Gospel music greats The Williams Brothers, joined by guitar icon James Burton, the incomparable Mavis Staples, blues guitar singer Eddie Cotton and a trio of Swedish divas: Beatrice, Anorah and Hannah Holgersson. The event was hosted by actress Joey Lauren Adams with a ballet interlude by Kathy Thibodeaux.