Morehead State Public Radio General Manager Paul Hitchcock was the recipient of the Cultural Heritage Award during the sixth annual Col. Bill Williams Heritage Blues Festival at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.
The event honors the legacy of the Greenup County blues musician.
“The Colonel Bill Williams Heritage Music Festival is a great example of a community celebrating its culture and heritage. It's important to remember where you come from and pass on your heritage to future generations. I'm honored to be a part of such a worthwhile activity,” said Hitchcock.
According to the“Blues Who's Who” by Sheldon Harris, Williams played guitar (self-taught) in a folk/blues/finger-picking style. He performed at various venues across the Appalachians and Piedmont areas of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North and South Carolina.
Williams also performed at the Mountain Heritage Folk Festival, University of Louisville Folk Festival, University of Chicago Folklore Society Festival, Festival of American Folklife (Montreal and Washington, D.C.), Mariposa Folk Festival (Toronto). Performed for television, radio and a short film including the documentary "Thinking Out Loud." Songs include "Corn Liquor Blues," "Lucky Blues," "My Girlfriend Left Me," "Bill's Rag," and "Banjo Rag."
A veteran broadcaster for more than 30 years, Hitchcock began his career in 1981 as music and program director at WRVG in Georgetown. He also served as promotions director at WTKC in Lexington.
He started at WMKY (MSPR) in 1986 and was promoted to general manager in 2003.
Hitchcock holds a B.A. degree in communications/psychology from Georgetown College and an M.A. degree in communications from MSU.
His achievements include: Best Local Music/Entertainment Series (2000) from the National Federation of Community Broadcasters for “US 23 Talent Showcase,” a live performance series recorded at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. He is past president of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Rowan County Christmas. He also serves on boards for the Morehead Tourism Commission, MCTCS Rowan Campus Advisory Council and MSU Staff Congress.
He is a board member for the Kentucky Broadcasters Association and Kentucky Public Radio.
