Now Accepting Submissions for the Inaugural Buddy Flett Emerging Musician Award
Highland Jazz and Blues Festival - September 19, 2026
Deadline for Submission - September 2, 2026
Notice of Status - September 9, 2026
Public Announcement of winner - September 19, 2026
The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is proud to announce the inaugural Buddy Flett Emerging Musician Award, honoring the life and legacy of beloved musician and friend Buddy Flett. This new award celebrates the next generation of talent by recognizing an outstanding student guitarist from Caddo, Bossier, or DeSoto Parish who embodies the passion, dedication, and soulful artistry Buddy brought to every note he played.
Buddy Flett enjoyed a remarkable career as a professional musician and songwriter. He was an original member of “A-Train” and later founded “The Bluebirds” with his brother Bruce. He ventured into a solo career, releasing two albums, “Mississippi Sea” and “Rough Edges.”
Buddy played slide guitar on Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s first album, “Ledbetter Heights,” in addition to the Grammy-nominated 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads Documentary album and Grammy-nominated “Live in Chicago” album with Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Bryan Lee, Willie Big Eyes, and many more.
His songs were recorded by Percy Sledge, Etta James, Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball, Johnny Adams, and others.
This award isn’t just a recognition — it’s a continuation of Buddy Flett’s legacy, ensuring his influence lives on in the young musicians who pick up a guitar and dare to make it sing.
This award is open to student musicians in grades 6–12, the award invites applicants to share their musical journey — how long they’ve played, the styles of music that move them, how they’ve honed their craft, and the instruments that help them find their voice. A letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor rounds out the application, reflecting the same spirit of mentorship and community that defined Buddy’s own musical life.
The winner will be announced at the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday, September 19, immediately following the Tribute to Buddy Flett performance, and will be presented with a brand-new guitar donated by Shreveport Music Co.
Eligibility: Emerging musicians must reside in Caddo, Bossier, or Desoto Parish and can be in either middle or high school.
Entry fee: There is NO entry fee for this submission - free to submit
Award: Winner will receive a new Fender Stratocaster guitar.
Publicity and Agreement:
The winning musician must be available for official presentation at the 22nd Highland Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Deadline: ENTRIES ARE DUE BY 11:59 PM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026.
Submitting your entry: Emerging musician must fill out this Google Form application and upload a video of them playing along with letters of recommendation. SUBMIT HERE
Winner will be notified by September 9, 2026 and official winner will be revealed to the public at the 22nd Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
For questions, please e-mail us at HighlandJazzandBlues@gmail.com.