The Legends of the Music Industry Interviews is the first in a new series at Tryon Fine Arts Center that acknowledges the contributions of artists over a long career in the music industry. The format brings together the artist with their fans/audience in an intimate reflection on their career, with music, stories from their time in the industry, and an interactive question and answer session with the audience led by our moderator, Melvin Cox.

We are thrilled to announce our first guest in the series is a native son of Tryon, a composer, and musician who has toured the world and written musical scores for numerous films. Sam Waymon grew up in the pre-civil rights era of Tryon with his sister, Eunice Kathleen Waymon — a.k.a. Nina Simone.

Their experiences growing up in the town would shape them both throughout their careers. Sam was a musical collaborator with his legendary sister, and a member of her touring band. The evening will not only feature tales of their times on the road, but also his memories and experience of growing up as one of eight children in Tryon under the watchful eye of their Methodist preacher and mom, Mary Kate Irvin and their father John Divine Waymon. There should be some interesting tidbits and is certain to be a very special evening.

The event is free to the public, and made possible through the Mary F. Kessler Fund Grant of the Polk County Community Foundation. There will be a reception to follow the event.