Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission Announces 2012 Emissaries of Memphis Music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 2, 2012 --

(MEMPHIS,Tenn)--The Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission (MSCMC) is proud to announce its 2012 Emissaries of Memphis Music. Presented in March during Women’s History Month, the program celebrates its fourth year honoring remarkable women who have made significant contributions to Memphis Music. Eight women have been selected and they will receive their accolades Thursday, March 29th at 7:00 p.m. at The University of Memphis Holiday Inn on Central Avenue. Proceeds from this event benefit the Memphis Musicians Healthcare Plan, a service that provides free healthcare to Memphis musicians.

Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission Executive Director Johnnie Walker expressed excitement about this year’s list of honorees. “In today’s ever-changing music marketplace, there is no one-stop shop to success,” said Walker. “An artist has to connect with the audience, deliver great music, understand the dynamics of radio exposure, while developing a live performance technique that is attractive to venues. We honor women who play a role in each of those phases. Each of our Emissaries is a star in her own right and has used her talents as a catalyst for Memphis Music while making significant contributions to the City’s creative culture.”

2012 Emissaries of Memphis Music

1. Anita Makris

With a career that spans several decades, Makris is the owner and manager of the Stage Stop Night Club in Raleigh. The venue showcases a variety of rock bands and performers.

2. Wendy Moten

R&B vocalist and performer of the Top 5 Billboard single “Come In Out of The Rain.” Moten currently tours with Julio Iglesias, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. She has also recorded duets with Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald, Peabo Bryson and Buddy Guy.

3. Bev Johnson

Award-winning WDIA Radio Personality and News Director. She has been in the business for more than 35 years and has hosted "The Bev Johnson Show" on WDIA since 1987.

4. Bethany Paige

Christian/Pop vocalist and Worship Leader at Lindenwood Christian Church for over a decade. She and husband Kevin Paige, released the single “One Love” that was featured in the October 2011 issue of Worship Leader Magazine.

5. Alexis Grace

Season 8 American Idol Finalist, Alexis is currently the Morning Host on Memphis radio Q-107.5 FM (WHBQ). She was recently tapped for the lead role in the Memphis production of "Chicago."

6. Anne Pitts, Esq.

Executive Director of the Levitt Shell since August 2008. This historic venue has served as a performance platform for seasoned and novice artists since 1936. Pitts continues this tradition annually with children, multi-cultural and special events programming.

7. Ann Peebles

Signed to Willie Mitchell’s Hi Records label in the 70's, Ann Peebles wrote and sang the #1 hit single “I Can’t Stand the Rain.” The song has been recorded more than forty (40) times in various genres by national recording artists like Tina Turner, Missy Elliott and Seal.

8. Anita Ward

Rust College alum and former Memphis City Schools teacher, Anita Ward performed the worldwide #1 multi-format single “Ring My Bell.” She currently serves as TV spokesperson for Infiniti Memphis.

Individual tickets are $50, reserved tables are $750 and group rates are available. For more information, contact the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at 901-576-6857. You can also visit www.memphismusic.org.

alexis grace     Anita Ward     Ann Peebles     Bev Johnson     memphis     Memphis Shelby County Music     Wendy Moten