Stephen Johnson has been named director of the Bluegrass Music Initiative, which is aiming to prove Owensboro is the “quintessential Bluegrass Music Capital of the World.”
Johnson said he is thankful and ready to jump into the position after serving on the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s Board of Directors for the past 6 years.
During a special called City Commission meeting Tuesday, Johnson told the mayor and commissioners they are key stakeholders in the success of the task force.
“I want to applaud the work that you all done. The mayor has been a champion and visionary and stepped out front. The support of the mayor, this board, and also your city staff has been nothing short of phenomenal,” Johnson said.
In mid-November 2021, the City of Owensboro declared itself as the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World. Johnson noted the sense of urgency throughout the last year as local officials have tried to prove Owensboro can live up to that claim.
He noted that the task force and others involved thought it was urgent to get in front of other cities — such as Asheville and Raleigh, North Carolina — before they were able to claim themselves the Bluegrass Capital.
“We’ve got to get this right for the legacy of those in bluegrass music, that legacy that started the torch, and then those will carry that torch long after we’re gone. So we owe it to those if nothing else,” Johnson said.
A new municipal order approved by commissioners Tuesday said that Owensboro acts as the “preeminent location to honor, celebrate and grow the entire Bluegrass music industry, its artists and musicians” and is a financial benefit to Owensboro along with Daviess and surrounding counties.
The order says the mayor and commissioners “affirm their wholehearted support, endorsement and assistance for the advancement of Owensboro, Kentucky as the quintessential Bluegrass Music Capital of the World.”
Chris Joslin, Executive Director Hall of Fame, said the Bluegrass Music Initiative is glad to welcome Johnson, especially given his experience on the board and with other community agencies.
Joslin said, “I think his commitment to this community, the passion he has for the mission of the Hall of Fame, the relationships he has with the right people all translate into Steve Johnson as the perfect person to advance the Bluegrass Music Initiative here in Owensboro.”
