Musicians We Helped
The following stories have been volunteered by musicians we have helped, and we are grateful for their openness. Their stories tell of passionate careers and creative triumphs interrupted by illnesses, accidents, family tragedies, and all too often, genuine poverty. In addition to the profiles below, we have a video series, Musicians Foundation Stories, which can be seen here. Our grantees are devoted artists who create and continue our country’s rich musical culture. Since 1914, we have helped thousands of musicians like those below. If you are interested in making a donation to support more musicians with stories like the ones below, click here.
Pablo Casals in support of the Musicians Foundation
World renown cellist Pablo Casals dedicated a record for the benefit of Musicians Foundation, Inc. courtesy of Columbia Records and its artists. Here is a recording of Pablo Casals speaking from the album and expressing his commitment to the Foundation:
“I am grateful for all the years of good health and musical happiness that I enjoyed and am still enjoying. I would like to share this good fortune that God has given me with all my colleagues in paying tribute to a wonderful organization, the Musicians Foundation. This record made with my friends Alexander Schneider and Isaac Stern and all the other musicians who participated in our music making, brings back wonderful memories of the first Festivals in Prades, the beginning of a new and meaningful era for me. I hope that it will bring the same musical happiness to many people who through their generous contribution will help to further the good work of the Musicians Foundation.”
Pablo Casals
October 24, 1971
Below you will find additional testimonial from other musicians whose lives have been changed through the help of our organization:
Freedy W., Vocalist
Michael Bocian, Guitarist
Morris Cummings, Musician
John Menegon, Bassist
Anthony Janflone, Guitarist, Musician, & Educator
Kate Light, Violinist, Librettist, Lyricist, & Poet
Ed Stoute, Jazz Pianist and Composer
Denise LaSalle, Blues & R&B Singer
Scott Bennett, Pianist, Vocalist, & Educator
Nomi Epstein, Composer, Performer, Curator, & Educator