Blues Music Awards — Annual honors recognizing achievement in blues performance and recordings

History

The awards began in 1980 under the name W. C. Handy Awards, a title that honored W. C. Handy, an influential early 20th-century composer often associated with the popularization of blues music. In 2006 the Blues Foundation renamed the program the Blues Music Awards to reflect a broader, contemporary scope.

Selection and voting

Nominations and winners are determined through a voting process conducted by people active in the blues community. This includes members of the Blues Foundation and others connected to the genre, such as performers, industry professionals, and scholars. The procedures are intended to ensure that nominees are chosen by those knowledgeable about blues artists and recordings.

Categories and significance

The awards cover multiple categories that recognize different aspects of blues artistry, including honors for individual performers, recordings, and instrumentalists. Typical examples include awards for albums, songs, and artist achievements, as well as distinctions for instrumental performance and style-specific recordings. Receiving a Blues Music Award is considered a major professional recognition within the U.S. blues scene.

Ceremony

The winners are announced at an annual ceremony organized by the Blues Foundation. The event has been associated with Memphis, Tennessee, where the Blues Foundation is based, although specific venues and formats have changed over time.