Continuing a tradition of recognizing music industry greats who are also dedicated to the educational process, Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will name the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) and founder Harry “Hap” Peebles the 2011 recipient of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence at the Best of the Best Showcase at Belmont’s Curb Event Center on March 26 at 7 p.m. Established in memory of program founder Bob Mulloy, the annual Award of Excellence recognizes an individual or organization that has achieved a level of excellence in the music business and entertainment industries with notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community; previous recipients include Donna Hilley and Vince Gill.
Harry “Hap” Peebles was country before Barbara Mandrell was born. Peebles served the country music industry for more than 60 years. Booking artists from the age of 18, he worked with Miss Mandrell when she was 11 years old! Hap is a founder of IEBA, originally known as the International Country Music Buyers Association, as well as the Country Music Association (CMA). IEBA was founded in 1970 as a non-profit trade organization for talent buyers, concert promoters, agents, managers, artists and other related entertainment professionals. IEBA provides networking, showcasing and educational opportunities to strengthen relationships, foster growth and increase revenue for the live entertainment industry. IEBA is known for showcasing the best and brightest talent in all genres of music and all fields of entertainment—exposing buyers to the freshest acts for the buying season.
IEBA has invested in the success of Belmont students by establishing four endowed scholarships in honor of two of IEBA’s founders and legendary talent buyers, Harry “Hap” Peebles and Don Romeo, in addition to industry giants J.P. Williams and George Moffett. Collectively, these endowments represent a $300,000 investment in Belmont University.
To give to the Hap Peebles scholarship fund, make a secure gift online at www.belmont.edu/give. Be sure to clarify the gift designation to the Harry Peebles Entertainment Endowed Scholarship. If you have questions or would like more information about the Hap Peebles Endowed Scholarship, please e-mail Harry Chapman at Willie Young .
