Nominating Col. Bruce Hampton Ret.

Dear Governor's Awards for the Arts and Humanities:

" I Jeff Mosier support the nomination of Colonel Bruce Hampton to the Governor’s Awards for the Arts & Humanities".

Bruce Hampton has affected the careers of many artists in ways that are hard to describe. I would not have the career that I have, nor would I have had the chance to accomplish the things that I've done, without the influence and example of Col. Bruce Hampton. To have an artist like Hampton who comes from Georgia and remains a resident of Georgia, is a blessing for our State. His true value over time, in my opinion, has been to mentor artists by teaching them to "give themselves permission in their own art" and to be themselves, to not only replicate their artistic influences, but to find their own voice. His influence in fostering artists, in so many pervasive ways, has spread into multiple genres of music, avant-garde performance art, spoken word, poetry, and film, from major motion picture to experimental and independent film.

Even today, Bruce maintains an incredible work ethic and continues to influence a young generation of musicians. He continues to produce cutting edge versions of his work through various band configurations and is touted as "mentor" by many of today's most popular artists as the documentary film about him portrays - including accolades by Dave Matthews, Phish, REM, Widespread Panic, and more. The film about his life and work ("Basically Frightened: The Musical Madness of Col. Bruce Hampton") has just been released, and in my opinion is the first credible capturing of the depth, nature, and power of the artistic influence and works of this deserving award nominee.

May you consider him in your nomination process as a true gem for the arts here in the great state of Georgia. Thanks.

Jeff Mosier
Atlanta, Ga.