fbpx

Preserving stories for future generations

Bill Ferris spent his career documenting the stories and music of the American South. His life's work has now resulted in two Grammy awards.

The pinnacle of many academic careers arrives with a Nobel Prize recognition in Sweden, but for William Ferris, that highlight moment came in California.

Ferris, the Joel R. Williamson eminent professor emeritus of history, won two Grammy awards Sunday in Los Angeles. Ferris’ box set “Voices of Mississippi” won best historical album and best album notes. The four-disc set features dozens of Ferris’ audio recordings of blues and gospel musicians, storytellers and documentary films.

“When I heard I was a Grammy nominee, it’s to my world like a Nobel award because the Grammys are all about music and recordings, which is what my life has been dedicated to,” he said.

Watch this video of Ferris and listen to an interview with him on Well Said, Carolina’s podcast.