The National Blues Museum (NBM) has appointed local music staple and longtime American columnist Bernie Hayes as interim executive director, following the departure of outgoing executive director Jeffery Hardin.
Hayes, with more than five decades of experience in the media and music industry and nearly three years on the National Blues Museum Board of Directors, has been a steadfast supporter of the museum and its commitment to preserving and honoring the legacy of the Blues and its musicians.
“We are thrilled to have a revered blues community icon and long-standing board member such as Bernie Hayes to serve as interim executive director while we embark on our national search for an individual to lead us to our next phase,” said Rob Endicott, chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Blues Museum in a statement. “Bernie’s deep roots in the community will serve him in good stead in this important role.”
Currently, Hayes is a media professor at Webster University, host of the Bernie Hayes television show and a columnist for the St. Louis American. He is also the curator of the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and the curator/founder of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame at Harris-Stowe State University.
Hayes began his career in radio, working at stations in Chicago, San Francisco and Mississippi before returning to St. Louis in 1986. He is the former news director for KWMU at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and served as the Midwest Promotions director for MCA and ABC record companies. He is a former recording artist for Stax Records and was inducted into the Stax Record Company Hall of Fame, along with the Wendell Phillips High School Hall of Fame, the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Radio Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Black Radio Hall of Fame.
“I am humbled and anxious to guide the National Blues Museum towards its mission of preserving history, displaying talent, education and public service,” said Hayes.
As NBM begins its search for a permanent executive director, Hayes will lead museum staff and guide the national search process.
“The National Blues Museum is one of the brightest beacons of our wonderful city,” said Blues Music Award winner and NBM board member Devon Allman. “As we march into our next phase, it’s important that we reclaim the integrity, excitement and open-arms vibe that was present at the grand opening, towards all patrons, businesses and musicians that we are fortunate to have as our allies and supporters.
