Luncheon Pays Tribute to Emissaries of Memphis Music

“A Salute With A Purpose”

Novella Smith Arnold and Elaine Turner at W.C. Handy Heritage Awards

The Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission will hold its second annual Emissaries of Memphis Music Power Luncheon at The Holiday Inn, 3700 Central Avenue, on Friday, March 26 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. 

Celebrating Women’s History Month, the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission will pay tribute to nine remarkable women who have made significant contributions to Memphis music. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Memphis Plan, a free healthcare program for Memphis musicians.  The esteemed emissaries are international blues singer Toni Green, former STAX Records production chief and Black Radio Hall of Fame inductee Novella Smith Arnold, award-winning opera singer Kallen Esperian, music philanthropist Honey Scheidt, country music singer Nancy Apple, Grammy-nominated song writer Mary Unobsky, producer of Downtown Alive for the Center City Commission Leslie Gower and creators of the W.C. Handy Heritage Awards Elaine Lee-Turner and Joan Lee-Nelson.

“The contributions of women to Memphis music are often overlooked and this luncheon is a way for us to salute the career achievements of women who have quietly, but steadily made insurmountable contributions to our music culture,” says Johnnie Walker, Executive Director of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.  “The collective experiences of these women span several decades, and we are proud to honor them,” noted Walker.  Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission’s healthcare plan for Memphis musicians. The Memphis Plan is offered through the Church Health Center and is free for Memphis musicians who meet eligibility requirements.  “With consideration to the current budget crisis, we chose not to go to City Council and request funds, but rather raise funds to support this much needed program on our own, explains Walker. When the musicians stop, the music stops … and no one wants music to stop in Memphis!”

The luncheon host will be Marybeth Conley, co-host of WREG-TV’s Live at 9.  Pamela J. Marshall, Chief of Staff for Shelby County will deliver the keynote address. Ms. Marshall is the first African-American and the first woman to hold the position of Chief of Staff for Shelby County Government.

“For the women being honored, I hope we all leave feeling a little stronger in faith in ourselves and able to walk a little prouder,” says honoree Nancy Apple. “For those attending, I hope they all leave inspired to support Memphis musicians to make better Memphis music.”

 Tickets for luncheon can be purchased for $50. Reserved tables of ten are available for $750. For more information contact the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at 901-576-6857.

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