Henry Butler will be a special guest of Irma Thomas, joining the Soul Queen of New Orleans during her performance in this anniversary celebration. Henry Butler is one of the greatest New Orleans pianists of our time, with the musical technique and ears to channel the entire New Orleans piano tradition, from Jelly Roll Morton to Professor Longhair and beyond. Henry has performed on many of Rounder's New Orleans based albums. An eight time W.C. Handy Award winner, Henry is equally renowned in jazz and blues worlds. He will reprise his collaboration with Irma Thomas from her Grammy® nominated album, Simply Grand.

Rounder Records will celebrate 40 years of making music with a special event to benefit NARAS' Grammy® in the Schools Programs. The event will be filmed by High Five Entertainment for a PBS television special that will begin airing on the network in March 2010. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to NARAS' Grammy® in the Schools Programs to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture. The Grammy® Foundation influences the lives of young people by opening the windows of opportunity that music can provide for their futures.

Rounder Records was founded in 1970 by Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy and Bill Nowlin. With only their passionate enthusiasm for American roots music lighting the way, the three Boston area college students cast their lot into the perilous music industry. "Before founding Rounder, we were basically music fans," says Rounder Records co-founder Ken Irwin. "None of us," echoes co-conspirator Bill Nowlin, "had any record industry experience whatsoever."

"I doubt that 'industry experience' is a term we would have comprehended at the time we started Rounder!" interjects the third member of the Rounder triumvirate, Marian Leighton.

This untested trio has gone the distance: from humble beginnings 40 years ago, to winning Album of the Year for Raising Sand at the 2009 Grammy® Awards. Rounder is now considered one of America's premier independent record labels, and has emerged as the preeminent source for vital, uncompromised music of all genres.

"Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Celebration" Ticket Information:
Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, The Grand Ole Opry Box Office, The Ryman Auditorium Box Office, the Attractions Desk at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, and by phone at 1-800-733-6779 (Ticketmaster charge by phone -- 1-800-745-3000). The show is being produced in conjunction with AC Entertainment.

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