An Evening of Stories, Songs, and Legacy with Mary Frances Hurt and Ray Flanagan
There are some evenings that remind us exactly why Roots of American Music exists.
Our recent Masters of American Music program celebrating the life and music of Mississippi John Hurt was one of those evenings.
Led by Cleveland musician Ray Flanagan, the event brought together music lovers, educators, and community members to explore the legacy of one of America's most beloved country blues artists. Mississippi John Hurt's gentle fingerpicking style, warm voice, and timeless songs continue to inspire musicians nearly sixty years after his passing.
What made the evening especially memorable was the presence of Mary Frances Hurt, granddaughter of Mississippi John Hurt and founder of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation. As Ray brought Hurt's music to life through song, Mary Frances shared the remarkable story of her family's efforts to preserve her grandfather's legacy.
Image by: Michael Weil of Foothill Galleries
With warmth, humor, and honesty, she recounted the journey that led to the creation of the Mississippi John Hurt Museum—the purchase of the property, the painstaking effort to move and repurpose the historic home, and the many serendipitous moments that seemed to guide the project along the way. She also spoke candidly about the devastating fire that destroyed the museum, a heartbreaking loss for blues fans around the world, and about the determination and vision that continue to drive the Foundation's work today.
Throughout the evening, the audience was reminded that preserving American music is about more than safeguarding songs. It is about protecting stories, places, families, and traditions that connect us to our shared cultural heritage.
Ray's performances captured the warmth and humanity that made Mississippi John Hurt such a beloved figure. The evening concluded with a moving rendition of "My Creole Belle," one of Ray's favorite songs to perform in classrooms. Before beginning, he invited the entire audience to join him, and voices from around the room rose together in song. For a few moments, the distance between generations disappeared, replaced by the simple joy of sharing music with one another.
It was a fitting ending to a night devoted to connection.
We are deeply grateful to Mary Frances Hurt for traveling to Cleveland, sharing her family's story, and helping us better understand the enduring impact of Mississippi John Hurt's life and music. The evening reflected everything the Masters of American Music series strives to create: meaningful conversations, memorable performances, and opportunities to connect audiences with the people and stories behind America's musical traditions.
We look forward to building on this wonderful relationship and finding new ways to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Mississippi John Hurt for future generations.
More stories, and videos from her trip to come.
Join ROOTS at Visible Voice every month on the 4th Wednesday for the Masters of American Music series.
This month on Wednesday June 24 our Executive Director, Taylor Lamborn, will share the music and legacy of Bonnie Raitt.
Images by: MairMadeMogul