Del McCoury Honored with NEA National Heritage Fellowship

Bluegrass legend Del McCoury has been named one of nine recipients of the NEA National Heritage Fellowship. The fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Each recipient will receive a one-time award of $25,000.

 

The nine recipients were chosen for their artistic excellence, as well as their efforts to conserve America’s culture and heritage.

 

McCoury’s award reflects more than 50 years of work performing American music. An ambassador for traditional bluegrass music, McCoury and his band have become the most awarded act in the history of bluegrass, allowing him the opportunity to broaden its audience through appearances on late night television shows like David Letterman's and Conan O'Brien's, and at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to popular festivals like Bonnaroo and the Newport Folk Festival.

 

"I'm truly overwhelmed. All I've ever done is play the music I love, and I feel very fortunate just to have made a career of it. To receive an honor like this for doing something you love seems almost unreal, but I am very thankful," McCoury said.

 

The 2010 awardees will come to Washington, D.C., in September for a series of events, including an awards presentation and banquet at the Library of Congress, as well as a concert scheduled for Friday, Sept.24, at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Md.

 

The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts.

 

For more information on the NEA, visit www.arts.gov. For more information on the Del McCoury Band, visit www.delmccouryband.com.