The Blues Foundation terminated the nomination of Kenny Wayne Shepherd at the 2021 Blues Music Awards for Best Blues / Rock Artist. According to a statement from the organization, the decision was made based on images of the Confederate flags displayed at Shepherd’s The Dukes of Hazzard Replica of the “General Lee” car and “guitars and other places”.
The organization’s termination is in line with the Blues Foundation Against Racism Declaration, which says in part: “The Blues Foundation unequivocally condemns all forms and expressions of racism, including all symbols associated with white supremacy and degradation of people of color. We will take responsibility, as will all blues musicians, fans, organizations and members of the music industry for racist actions and encourage concrete commitments to recognize and repair the resulting pain. “
In a statement to Rolling StoneShepherd acknowledged the flag’s offensive on his car and said he covered it permanently for some time.
“We were told that this decision was made because, in the past few days, concerns have arisen about one of the cars in my muscle car collection. The car was built 17 years ago as a replica and a tribute to the iconic car from the television series, The Dukes of Hazzard. This CBS program was one of the most popular and rated programs of its time and, like millions of others, I watched it every week, ”said Shepherd. “In the program, one of the central ‘characters’ was a muscle car that displayed a Confederate flag on the ceiling. Years ago I put that car in permanent storage and some time ago I made the decision to permanently cover my car’s flag because it was totally against my values and offensive to the African American community that created the music I love so much and apologize to anyone who has hurt you unintentionally because of it.
“I want to make something very clear and unambiguous; I completely condemn and oppose all forms of racism and oppression, and I have always done that ”.
In addition to the termination of Shepherd’s appointment by the Foundation, the organization asked Shepherd’s father, Ken Shepherd, to resign as a member of its Board of Directors. Ken Shepherd declined to comment on the resignation.