Kappus Exhibit Unveiled At Blues HOF

Rosebud Agency chief Mike Kappus helped launch Blues Music Week in Memphis May 10 with the unveiling of an exhibit of his 45 years’ worth of memorabilia at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum, with assistance from friends Elvin Bishop and Betty LaVette.

Mike Kappus
Cary Baker/Conqueroo

Rosebud Agency’s Mike Kappus (2nd from R) is joined by Barbara Newman, Elvin Bishop and Bettye LaVette at the unveiling of an exhibit at the Blues Hall of Fame and Museum in Memphis.

The exhibit features rare items including tour jackets, promotional items, posters, photos, a selection of tour passes, Grammy-winning and –nominated CD projects as well as a dedicated section celebrating the centenary of John Lee Hooker’s birth.

Mavis Staples was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, along with guitarists Magic Slim, Johnny Copeland and Willie Johnson, pianist Henry Gray, singer/songwriter Latimore and late Living Blues co-founder and radio host Amy van Singel. The Staples Singers icon also won an award From the Blues Foundation for soul blues female artist.

The Blues Music Awards also featured multiple awards to Joe Bonamassa, entertainer of the year and instrumentalist-guitar; Curtis Salgado, song, album and male artist; Bobby Rush, album and historical recording; Tedeschi Trucks Band, band and rock blues album; and Kenny Neal, contemporary blues album and male artist.