April 7, 2003

Musgrove Proclaims "Steve Azar Day"
by James L. Cummins

Governor Ronnie Musgrove has proclaimed March 13, 2003, as "Steve Azar Day" in Mississippi, honoring the Greenville native who has risen to the top of the country music scene. Azar is a charter member of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, or Wildlife Mississippi as it is commonly called. His brother, Joe, is one of the organization's Founders.

According to Governor Musgrove, "Steve Azar is the newest name added to the list of Mississippians sharing their musical talent with the world," Musgrove said. "Our state is known for its rich musical heritage and I'm proud of Steve and his accomplishments."

Growing up, Steve spent a lot of time around the Mississippi River enjoying its waters, wildlife, its contribution to the nation in the form of a transportation artery and giving birth to the blues and other cultural aspects of Delta life. It was this influence that caused Steve and Joe to have a deep appreciation of wildlife and the conservation of it. Steve recently said, in helping to encourage more conservation efforts, "Our children's future is the number one priority for my wife Gwen and me. And one of our dreams is to ensure that our children, and their children, enjoy the majesty of Mississippi's forests, waters and wildlife. Wildlife Mississippi is helping to make that dream come true."

Azar's debut album is titled "Waitin' On Joe." One can only assume it is named after having spent many hours waiting on Joe, who has never been on time - not even for duck hunting or fishing trips. I spent many hours with Steve driving him around the state to such places as the "Sugar Shack" and "The Gin." Steve landed a recording deal soon after moving to Nashville but fell victim to an all too-common music industry setback when his label shut down shortly after his debut single was released. Nevertheless, Steve continued touring and honing his skills, drawing from his own experiences and those of some of his close friends. Mercury Records discovered him and his music career has certainly taken off.

I am extremely pleased that Governor Musgrove has recognized Steve for his accomplishments. Having grown up in Greenville with Steve and Joe, and having been fans of Greenville's vast number of writers, musicians and other artists, it truly makes be believe there is really something to its dark water.

Azar debuted with the Grand Ole Opry on March 15, 2002. His #1 hit, "Waitin' on Joe," places #14 on Country Music Television's (CMT) Top 20 of 2002, and has been nominated for Breakthrough Video of the Year and Concept Video of the Year at the 2003 CMT Flameworthy Awards.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi