Yes, I grew up in Jacksonville attending Fishweir, St. Johns Country Day and finally graduating from Bolles.
I spent three years with WJXT as an intern and then investigative reporter. Went back to college finishing at FSU in 1972. On to MS at University of Illinois in Advertising & Public Relations. Then back to J'ville to put out PR shingle in 1973. Ran several political campaigns. In 1978 hired by the Original Marlboro Man, William Thourlby, to promote what became a best selling classic You Are What You Wear. Then on to live in Hotlanta in 1978 till my own best selling book on Y2K took me to Franklin, NC where I have lived off and on.
It was while living in Atlanta that I co-founded what could become finally in Jacksonville the home of a physical Southern Music Hall of Fame. This interactive/multi-media facility would tell the history of the eight forms of music - jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, rock, r&b, folk and gospel. This could be a major new tourist attraction for J'ville bringing up to 100,000 plus attendees in the first year.
Also my company along with partners in J'ville would produce a week long music festival patterned after the one in New Orleans and a televised Induction ceremony. I have owned a video/TV production company for over 20 years.
I hope that we can finally bring the SMHF to a home in my hometown of Jacksonville!
Hugh
Welcome Hugh. Your idea sounds interesting.
Hugh,
Interesting idea, just a few questions;
- Would you run this as a NFP, like as a foundation?
- How would this compare to the RMHOF in Cleveland?
Many people struggled with Cleveland as a HOF site in music, how would you differentiate Jacksonville as a destination, especially as it relates to music?
- Would you look for support from corporate entities, as in grants, sponsorships?
In southern derived music, there are many places that are considered 'locales' for their style, Nashville, New Orleans, Branson, Waco, Atlanta, Muscle Shoals, just a name a few. Would you cover all of these?
Not being critical of your idea, just curious how it would work.
WELCOME! Southern Rock, rhythm and Blues is begging to be enshrined for posterity. I'm your Huckleberry! We'd love to do an article, let's talk.
Welcome Hugh...
Welcome! Great ideas
Welcome, it's great to have another person with big ideas here on MJ.