Duffy, Denise - 1981F

Denise DuffyDenise Duffy 81F found a way to help people by creating Music Maker Relief Foundation in 1994 with her husband, Tim Duffy.

Since its inception, Music Maker has been vital in promoting the voices of America's most important vanishing musicians who play blues, string band, gospel, Native American, and other southern traditions. "The music industry was built on the backs of these artists," Duffy says.

In the past 13 years, Music Maker has provided services and grants to over 250 musicians. There is a guesthouse at the headquarters where artists can stay for recording and professional development. The Foundation has produced over 100 CDs of traditional music.

At any given time, there are about 20-30 performances going on around the world that Music Maker helped set up.