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BMAI Mission Statement
The mission of the Beach Music Association International is
to broaden Beach Music's appeal to a wider audience by organizing
various elements of Beach Music into an entity called The Beach
Music Association (BMAI).
Representatives of these elements are team players who believe
that together they can better promote Beach Music's growth and
share in that growth. The entity's goals are:
- To again make the music as defined the controlling factor
in what is Beach Music
- To reach sponsors by offering the big picture to them
(products, artists, recordings, video, television, movies,
Internet services, concerts, speakers on its history,
bookings, books, a museum etc.)
- To educate the public and young people in particular to assure
that this music will be carried on
- To support and promote those active in the industry
- To remember and honor its pioneers
- To watchdog the industry's credibility
- To work with legislators
- To bring diverse people together in a harmonious manner
Latest News & Events
Coastal Carolina University launches Beach Music Hall of Fame
Coastal Carolina University will be the location for the future International Beach Music Hall of Fame, according to an announcement today at a media conference on campus. Legendary beach music artists Maurice Williams and Billy Scott performed at the event today to lend their support to the project and provide an authentic sampling of this distinctive musical art form.
The plan to establish a dedicated site on campus recognizing the importance of "beach music," the genre of rhythm and blues music long associated with the culture and lifestyle of the Grand Strand, was formalized in May 2009 when the South Carolina General Assembly passed a concurrent resolution designating Coastal Carolina University as "the home of the Beach Music Hall of Fame."
"Coastal Carolina University is the natural place for this new endeavor, and we are excited about the prospect of it," said David A. DeCenzo, president of the University. "Beach music is an integral part of our local heritage. In addition to a Hall of Fame honoring its great artists, the University will focus scholarly attention on the cultural, sociological and musical aspects of the phenomenon."
The University has formed a steering committee, led by Department of Music Chairman Don Sloan, to direct the organization of the Hall of Fame. An advisory board will be established to formulate a procedure for naming inductees to the Hall of Fame and choose an interim location on campus to house it. Officials foresee the eventual installation of an interactive museum that will showcase beach music history and honor the inductees.
The University’s affiliation with beach music was spearheaded by Harry Turner, president of the Beach Music Association International. An author and radio personality, Turner has taught noncredit courses on beach music through the University’s adult learning program for many years. The Carolina Beach Music Association is also supporting the Hall of Fame project at CCU.
"I can’t imagine the Grand Strand without beach music," said Billy Alford, chairman of Coastal Carolina University’s Board of Trustees. "This is a perfect way to foster an appreciation for the cultural distinctiveness of our area."
Maurice Williams, with Freddy Mangum of Williams’ band The Zodiacs, sang his classic 1953 hit, "Stay." Billy Scott sang "I Got the Fever," the gold record that he and his band, The Prophets, first recorded in 1968. University officials also noted the passing of local radio personality Billy Smith, known for his dedication to beach music as the host of "The Billy Smith Beach Party."
Chauncey, the University mascot, gave a demonstration of the state dance of South Carolina, the "shag," which is performed almost exclusively to the sounds of Carolina beach music. His dance partner at the media conference was Autumn Jones, a four-time National Shag Dance champion. Chauncey was instructed in shag dancing by Barry Thigpen, chairman of the National Shag Dance Championships.
Other Beach Music artists were also in attendance to show their support for the Hall of Fame project.
For more information contact Martha Hunn at 843-349-2962.
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Beach music greats move to Coastal Carolina University
Coastal welcomes Beach Music Hall of Fame
By Lorena Anderson - landerson@thesunnews.com
Coastal Carolina University can now add one more feather to its chanticleer cap - the school announced Thursday it will be home to the developing International Beach Music Hall of Fame.
"There's a special love for this kind of music here," said Harry Turner of the Beach Music International Association. "It's the official popular music of South Carolina."
Now all the university needs is an official home for the hall.
Billy Scott sings at Coastal Carolina University on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009. Coastal officials announced the school will be the home of the future International Beach Music Hall of Fame, interactive museum and a showcase of beach music history. Photo by Janet Blackmon Morgan / jblackmon@thesunnews.com
The idea came about after Turner's group began teaching a history of music seminar that included beach music. CCU board member Billy Alford and President David DeCenzo saw it, and they all began scheming to bring the hall of fame to the university closest to the city most associated with beach music - Myrtle Beach.
Thursday's announcement drew beach music performers such as Maurice Williams who, along with his group The Zodiacs, had hits like "Little Darlin'" and "Stay," which has been re-recorded many times by artists such as Jackson Browne and Cyndi Lauper.
Little River resident Paul Craver, who with his group The Men of Distinction recorded the beach songs "Mr. Beach" and "Emperor of My Baby's Heart," also showed up for the announcement and to support the effort.
"I think the recognition is wonderful," Craver said.
Beach music is a combination of rhythm and blues, the blues, the Motown sound, good-time rock 'n' roll and doo-wop, Turner said.
Why it became so popular here might have something to do with Carolinians' desire to dance and have fun, he said.
"I think music chooses the people," Craver said.
Whatever the case, people of the Grand Strand have fond memories of beach music, and CCU officials hope students present and future will develop an appreciation, too, as they learn about South Carolina's musical legacy.
DeCenzo told the audience at Thursday's announcement that the school hopes to begin fundraising for a performing arts center, and the hall of fame would have an official home.
In the meantime, music department Chairman Don Sloane said the campus will find an interim home as it assembles an advisory board to make decisions about such details as how inductees will be admitted.
They hope to have a museum, a hall for inductions and more, perhaps including an interactive exhibit. But none of those details has been finalized.
Thursday's event was sort of a mini-concert, with Billy Scott performing "I've Got the Fever," and Williams and Freddy Mangum performing "Stay," a song many people remember from the film "Dirty Dancing."
"Beach music has been an integral part of the Carolinas," Turner said. "Along with the sun and beach, it has been considered one of our greatest gifts to the world."
Contact LORENA ANDERSON at 444-1722.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release No. 08047
August 6, 2008 Contact: Renée Zeide or
Tut Underwood
Beach Music Blasts Museum’s
"Birthday Bash"
Columbia, S.C. – Beach music fans and shag dancers alike will want to make a date with the South Carolina State Museum on Saturday, Aug. 16 for a free beach music concert presented by Beach Music Association International (BMAI). The concert, which celebrates the 8th annual Beach Music Day, is one of many events being offered to the community at no charge in celebration of the museum’s 20th anniversary.
For five hours, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., four bands will perform on stage in the museum’s Congaree Room: Billy Scott and the Party Prophets, The Sensational Epics with special guest Clifford Curry, the Flashbacks and Ceasar and the Sugarbees. The concert also will feature guest performers such as Larissa Holliday, Clay Brown, William Taylor, and other surprise guests. The concert ends with an all star finale.
The concert is part of the State Museum’s 20-hour Birthday Bash, a marathon day of free programs and fun for the public beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 16 and continuing to 5 a.m. the following morning. "Music, birthday cake, games, demonstrations, movies and stargazing are just some of the activities in store for the community as we celebrate our 20th anniversary," said Tut Underwood, the museum’s director of public information and marketing.
At a special point in the beach music concert, Harry Turner, president of Beach Music Association International, and local TV personality Joe Pinner will present a remembrance in memory of the life of Bill Pinkney. Pinkney is remembered as the legendary hit singing star of the Original Drifters whose phenomenal career spanned 54 years. Performance attire worn by Pinkney and singer James Brown will be on display. Ceasar will perform a live James Brown tribute. Guest performers will join together in a rendition of Bill Pinkney’s signature song recorded with Drifters, "White Christmas," which was featured in the 1990 film hit, "Home Alone."
A South Carolina native son, Pinkney was born Aug. 15, 1925 in Dalzell, S. C. In 1953 he joined Clyde McPhatter along with Gerhardt and Andrew Thrasher to form The Drifters and soon signed with the Atlantic Recording Company. Later, Pinkney split from the group and started the Original Drifters, which garnered fans and popularity, especially with the "beach music" scene, throughout the southeastern United States. Known for his natural bass-baritone sound, Pinkney is prominent on such early Drifters’ recordings as "Honey Love," "Ruby Baby," and "Money Honey."
Pinkney’s music industry awards include induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the United Group Harmony Association, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Beach Music Hall of Fame. South Carolina twice awarded him the Order of the Palmetto, its highest civilian honor. He was a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was the recipient of five bronze stars. Pinkney died on July 4, 2007.
Sponsors of the beach music concert include: Defender Services, SCANA, Progress Energy, Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op, Horry County Electric Co-Op, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Duke Energy, Willis Blume Agency, Café Rendezvous (Greenville, SC), Newberry Opera House, Hayes Jewelers (Lexington, NC) and Silver Coast Winery (Ocean Isle, NC).
The following BMAI Awards will be presented that night:
HILDA CARTER AWARD
Presented to
BILL "Willie C" Swanke
CARROLL CAMPBELL AWARD
Presented to
GRADY BROWN
LEIGHTON GRANTHAM AWARD
Presented to
SECOND NATURE
BILL PINKNEY AWARD
Presented to
CLIFFORD CURRY
INDUSTRY AWARD
Presented to
WILLIS BLUME
BILLY SCOTT
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CRAIG WOOLARD
APPRECIATION AWARD
Presented to
DICK RICHARDSON
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Beach Music Association International is proud of our constant effort to educate young people about Beach Music
Flat Rock Middle students attend music assemblies
By Jessica Goodman
Published Friday, February 22, 2008
The bleachers in the gymnasium of Flat Rock Middle School vibrated with the pounding of the feet of the sixth, seventh and eighth graders Thursday morning. Two assemblies of students enjoyed a presentation and performance of American rock-and-roll history by four members of the Beach Music Association International.
"It's the history of rock-and-roll, American rock-and-roll, with a Carolina perspective," said Harry Turner, president of the association.
"It was just awesome, I was amazed," said Christy Dorn, physical education teacher at Flat Rock Middle, "Almost all the eighth grade students were down shagging by the end of the program."
The association's education program covers American rock and roll history from the early 1950s into the 1970s. Artists including the Temptations, Chairman of the Board, Elvis Presley and the Supremes sung out into the auditorium as the students clapped along with the beat.
"(We want) to give kids a little education about R'n'B and beach music," said Billy Scott, chairman of the association. "They need to know where music came from, because with out yesterday's music, there wouldn't be the music they listen to."
The educational program started three years ago with the group introducing beach music in schools. Scott with Clay Brown and Donald Ceasar round out the program with energetic performances of songs representing the history. The idea, explained Turner, is to keep beach music and these other forms of music alive by introducing them to the younger generations.
Turner demonstrated basic dance steps to the beach music staple, the Shag. Scott, while also singing, took the Shag to the next step with the help of Dorn. Brown, Scott and Ceasar brought the students to their feet with their performances. Students sang along with the music of the Temptations, Ben E. King and James Brown.
"Beach music is about dancing," said Turner.
"I want them to have a deep appreciation for the history of music," said Dorn.
Dorn was searching for up-tempo music when she e-mailed Turner after meeting him at the 20th anniversary of Dirty Dancing in October at Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Soon, they were talking about the group coming up to Flat Rock to do a presentation and introduce students to a different type of music.
"I want to expose them to other music then what they hear on the radio," said Dorn. "It has a good beat, its good to sing and dance to."
"One of our charges (with the association) is to teach young people," said Turner. "They are the future."
The following letter is from our new Las Vegas Board Member
Pictures from Bill Pinkney's Memorial Service Now In Our Photo Album, click on "BMAI Photos" above.
Check out our new video page, click on "BMAI Videos" above.
Jack Hunt of Johnny Angel & the Halos Pittsburg PA, Herb Cox lead of the Cleftones
Atlanta Ga, Deborah Nader of Richard Nader Enterprises Ft Lauderdale FL, Deborah Smith of
Newberry Oprah House Newberry, SC, Marvin Lashever Sonny Turners Manager Las Vrgas NV
The BMAI BOARD Members
Check out the photos from the South Carolina and North Carolina Beach Music Days in the BMAI Photo Album. To view the album click on "BMAI Photos" above.
The Tipitina's Foundation has announced that legendary R&B and rock 'n' roll singer, songwriter and pianist, Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino Jr., is donating proceeds from his new album "Alive and Kickin'" to the Tipitina's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to music education, music business development, and preserving Louisiana's unique musical cultures.
"Alive and Kickin'" is Fats Domino's first new release since "Christmas Gumbo" in 1993. "Fats was looking for a meaningful way to give back to his hometown after Hurricane Katrina," said Tipitina's Foundation co-founder Roland von Kurnatowski. "He made it very clear that he was making this donation to us because he felt it was important to support the Foundation in its efforts to rebuild the New Orleans music community."
In a scene that played out on television screens around the world, on September 1, 2005, the 77-year-old Domino was rescued from the roof of his flooded home in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward by a Coast Guard helicopter. After spending time in a shelter and apartments in Baton Rouge, the Domino family returned to New Orleans in October to begin rebuilding their home.
"This album is a soulful musical message from Fats to his millions of fans around the world that he, the people of his beloved city of New Orleans, and its vibrant musical community are ‘Alive and Kickin'" said Bill Taylor, Director of the Tipitina's Foundation. Eleven of the album's 13 tracks were recorded over the decade prior to Hurricane Katrina, but the effort took on a renewed sense of urgency for Fats as his hometown has pulled together to rebuild.
Fats Domino's "Alive and Kickin'" is only available online at www.tipitinasfoundation.org. A CD can be obtained by making a donation to the Tipitina's Foundation. All Foundation proceeds will go toward helping save and rebuild the New Orleans music community. By supporting musicians who have suffered devastating losses from displacement, homelessness, and a lack of jobs and instruments, Fats Domino and the Tipitina's Foundation are ensuring that New Orleans' unique musical heritage will be preserved.
BMAI Recognition Award
BMAI President Harry Turner and Chairman Billy Scott present the BMAI Recognition Award
to the late Lou Rawls for his many contributions to Rhythm and Blues and Beach Music. Mr. Rawls, prior to his passing,
performed to a sold out crowd at the Newberry Opera House where the award was
presented.
The "Buy It, Don't Burn It" Campaign
This is to bring awareness to those that are downloading music and that do not realize that they are costing the recording artists and writers money that
cannot be replenished if the music is not purchased.
BMAI is very much behind this campaign.
- Billy Scott.
CLICK HERE for a story from the Myrtle Beach Sun News
featuring BMAI.
BMAI Executive Board Members
| Chairman |
Billy Scott |
| President |
Harry Turner |
| 1st Vice President |
Hilda Merritt Carter |
| Treasurer |
Larry Pope |
| Executive Secretary |
Elaine Galloway |
| Sgt. At Arms |
Michael Roberts |
BMAI Board Members
| Donald Ceasar |
Beverly Clark |
| Steve Clark |
Deacon Dawson |
| Jon Konkel |
Elaine F. Marshall |
| Rose Rock |
Bill Rixon |
| Paige Sawyer |
Bill Swanke |
| Eugene Tompkins |
Sherry Suttles |
| Byron Rucker |
Nick Theodore |
| Jason Cagle |
Beach Music Association International
PO BOX 3614
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH SC 29582
Email: bmai@eclicks.net
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