MEMPHIS, TN – We here at BFG offer up a respectful and hearty farewell to Jay Sieleman who is officially retiring September 30 as the longtime Blues Foundation President/CEO. For a dozen years Jay has devoted his existence as a true mover and shaker to uplift this fine organization. We are forever grateful for his dedication as well as his friendship, not only personally, but to the blues world at large.

Here, Jay (lt) and Bobby Rush (rt) were captured eloquently by photographer Donovan Allen with their hot-off-the-press Blues Festival Guides during the grand opening of the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis last May, a project that Sieleman was instrumental in making a reality.

Thank you deep down from our blues lovin’ hearts Jay, and thanks Donovan for this memorable shot!

Photo © Donovan Allen