With pride and great satisfaction, we are glad to announce Vicente Zúmel has been recipient of 2013 “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award in the International category by the Blues Foundation.

Each year,The Blues Foundation in Memphis presents the “Keeping The Blues Alive” Awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to blues music. The KBAs are awarded on the basis of merit by a select panel of blues professionals to those working to actively promote and document the music. “This year, the KBA Committee was thoroughly pleased with the quality of the nominees submitted for consideration,” notes committee chair Art Tipaldi, editor of Blues Revue. “The fifteen recipients represent an outstanding cross-section of blues boosters. We are pleased to honor these people and organizations as a tribute to the years each has given to supporting the blues.”

Among recipients since 1980 you can find Rufus Thomas, David Evans, Bruce Iglauer, Paul Jones, Lucerna Blues Festival, Il Blues Magazine, Tom Mazzolini from San Francisco Blues Festival, Malaco Records, John Landis, The Chicago Tribune, Carl Perkins, Rounder Records, B.B. King, Blind Pig Records, Severn Records, Crosscut Records, B.L.U.E.S. Club in Chicago, Delta Groove Records, Jefferson Magazine, Blues Matters! Magazine, Soul Bag Magazine, New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, Peter Guralnick, Bob Corritore, Ruf Records, Beale Street Music Festival, Music Maker Relief Foundation, Dick Shurman, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Duke Robillard, Robert Santelli, Bill Wyman, Alligator Records, Johnny Parth from Document Records, Juke Blues Magazine, Yazoo Records, King Biscuit Blues Festival, Blues & Rhythm Magazine, Buddy Guy Legends, Blues Archive at University of Mississippi, Hohner Harmonicas, Art Tipaldi, Alan Lomax, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Blues Revue Quarterly, Chris Strachwitz from Arhoolie Records, Billy Branch, Bob Koester from Delmark Records, Bill Ferris from Center For The Study Of Southern Culture of The University Of Mississippi, Jim O’Neal founder of Living Blues Magazine, Tom Pomposello, Scott Barretta, etc.

It is the first time a Spanish blues related man or institution receives this Award, so we feel doubly honoured.

Our most sincere gratitude to The Blues Foundation for this great honour.

More detailed information at Blues Foundation website