Died On This Date (January 29, 2011) Sterling Belcher / Bluegrass Festival Founder
themusicsover Sterling Belcher
June 14, 1939 – January 29, 2011
Sterling Belcher was a music promoter who founded the Festival of The Pines in Rocky Point, Virginia in 1981. A tireless lover of bluegrass music, Belcher brought such acts as Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Jimmy Martin and Rhonda Vincent to the sleepy surroundings of Tripple Creek Music Campground throughout the years. He regularly received recognition for his commitment to bluegrass music from local, regional and national music associations. Sterling Belcher was 71 when he passed away on January 29, 2011.
Dick Griffey is best remembered as the founder of influential R&B label, SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records). Formed in 1977, the label was one of the most successful R&B labels outside of Motown. Griffey launched his music career during the ’60s when he became part owner of a Los Angeles nightclub, Guys and Dolls which played host to shows by the likes of 
Ralph Mercado was a successful Latin music impresario who had his hands in many facets of the entertainment industry. He started out promoting Latin jazz shows in clubs throughout Manhattan, but it was just a matter of time before he was putting on Salsa shows at the Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden. During the early ’70s, Mercado opened his own management company where he represented the likes of