Chris Blue Unveils Artifacts at NMAAM with Gaither Music Group

Artist Chris Blue Unveils Artifacts at The National Museum of African American Music in Partnership with Gaither Music Group

Artifacts Highlight the 2017 Season 12 Win of NBC’s The Voice

Gaither Music Group and The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) partnered on Wednesday, December 3^rd, for a special evening honoring musical artist and DOVE Award-nominee, Chris Blue. Blue was the 2017 Season 12 winner on NBC’s The Voice, and the first African American winner since Jermaine Paul’s win in 2012 in Season 2.

Held at NMAAM’s Roots Theater in downtown Nashville, TN, the evening featured an unveiling of newly donated artifacts from Blue’s historic journey on The Voice, thus expanding the museum’s permanent collection. The evening kicked off with comments from NMAAM Executive Director, Bill Jeffries, curator, Dr. Pierce, Sun Label Group’s president, Paul Sizelove, and Chris. The evening also featured a LIVE concert with musical performances from Chris Blue alongside Byron Chambers (aka Mr. Talkbox), members from The Gaither Vocal Band (Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, and Reggie Smith), and powerhouse vocalist, Tamara Bodie (who also performs on Blue’s newly released DVD project, Every Day Is Christmas). 

"Pictured from left to right, artist Chris Blue, Paul Sizelove (President of Sun Label Group & Gaither Music), Bill Jeffries (Executive Director of the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)), and Dr. Pierce (Chief Curator of the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM))."

“Music is in my DNA. Sharing this moment with NMAAM and the Gaither Music team is something I could never have imagined or prayed for. It’s a dream that transcends asking,” said Chris Blue. “To have this honor woven into the fabric of Black Music History and to share it with a crowd of family and friends left me speechless. This donation represents that moment when my heart was also full of hope, trepidation, and ultimately thankfulness. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and thankfulness for or the goodness of God!”

“Chris Blue delivered an exceptional evening at NMAAM. Events like this showcase the strength of our continued partnership and the shared commitment to celebrating artistry, culture, and meaningful storytelling,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group & Gaither Music.

Bill Jeffries, Executive Director of the museum, said, “At NMAAM, our mission is to educate, preserve, and celebrate the immeasurable impact of Black music. Our partnership with Sun Label Group and Gaither Music supports that mission, and Chris Blue reflects it. He captured the sound and soul of Black music today. His performance is a powerful reminder of why NMAAM exists.”

Photos Credit: 353 Media

##