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William R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award
David Evans
A Grammy award-winning blues scholar has been named the recipient of the 2007 Willard
R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award at the University of Memphis. Dr. David Evans, a professor
in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music , will receive the $20,000 award during the
University’s annual Faculty Convocation at April 19 at 2 p.m. in the Michael D. Rose
Theatre.
The award recognizes exceptional and sustained contributions to scholarly-creative
achievement, teaching, and service and bringing recognition to the University. A recipient
must have been employed at the University for at least five years to be considered
for the award.
Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in Classics from Harvard and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees
in folklore and mythology from UCLA. He came to the U of M in 1978 to establish and
direct the enthnomusicology/regional studies doctoral program.
Evans has published three books, more than 80 articles and book chapters, and contributed
entries for a number of encyclopedias and dictionaries. His Big Road Blues: Tradition
and Creativity in the Folk Blues is the definitive study of how blues are composed
and passed from generation to generation through oral tradition. He also is editor
for the American Made Music series of books of the University Press of Mississippi.
“Dr. Evans is one of our most productive faculty members in terms of scholarly research,”
said Dr. Patricia Hoy, director of the School of Music. “Hs research gives him a unique
ability to bring insight to both the general public and academic specialists in support
of a strong worldwide interest in folk and popular music in the southern United States.”
Evans has produced album notes for 84 recordings, mostly of blues and gospel music.
His album notes for Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues: the Worlds of Charley Patton
won a Grammy award in 2003.
Evans has released 50 recordings of his African-American blues, gospel and folk
music, including one of Venezuelan music. Many were for the U of M’s High Water Records.
An accomplished blues and gospel musician in his own right, Evans has recorded one
CD with the Last Chance Jug Band and one under his own name. Until the early 1990s
he performed mostly as a guitar accompanist. Evans now performs mainly as a soloist
across the U.S. and overseas.
Evans has served as a musicological consultant on three films projects for Steven
Ross, U of M professor of communication. “In each case, he was a valuable resource,
and offered his time and expertise with a generosity of spirit that is a model of
collegiality,” said Ross. “If we are truly a leading research institute of this region,
hen we must surely have the leading blues scholar on our campus. Luckily we do.”
Outside of music, his work on African-American folktales, riddles, rhymed toasts,
and folk arts adds depth and dimension to his musical work. “He has been not only
a world-recognized writer and producer, but a mentor, friend and teacher who has helped
struggling artists achieve recognition and income,” said Dr. Richard Ranta, dean of
the College of Communication and Fine Arts.
Hoy adds, “Perhaps the greatest testament to his teaching is the research legacy
emulated by many of his former students who have written books, articles and album
notes; two have won Grammy awards for their work.”
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