Undergraduate Scholarships

This scholarship stands as a tribute to one of bluegrass music’s true pioneers, and it is made possible by the generosity of Leon Kiser’s family, the Appalachian Cultural Music Association, the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, and a dedicated group of private donors. Benny Sims made an indelible mark on the bluegrass world, performing alongside legends like Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, and the Foggy Mountain Boys from 1949 to 1950. His fiddle playing was featured on some of the genre’s most iconic recordings, including “Pike County Breakdown,” “Little Girl in Tennessee,” and the unforgettable “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” It was also his distinctive voice that turned “Old Salty Dog Blues” into a timeless classic.

After leaving the Foggy Mountain Boys, Sims continued to make significant contributions to the music world. He became a staff musician on WNOX’s “Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round” and “Tennessee Barn Dance” in Knoxville, Tennessee, and performed with bluegrass greats Jack and Curly Shelton in the late 1940s. In the 1950s, Sims joined the Bonny Lou and Buster Moore program on WJHL-TV in Johnson City, Tennessee, where his talent continued to shine.

In the 1960s, Sims shifted gears and retired from performing professionally, but his legacy lived on through his work as an educator. He became a respected fiddle teacher and published several instructional books through Joe Morrell Music Distributors, passing on his knowledge to countless students. His influence extended far beyond his own performances, shaping the careers of many who followed in his footsteps.

Benny Sims passed away in 1996, but his contributions to bluegrass music continue to resonate. The Benny Sims Scholarship, established by the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, is a way to honor his memory and to support the next generation of musicians. The scholarship provides talented young artists with the resources they need to pursue their passion for bluegrass, just as Benny Sims did throughout his career.