August 26, 2011
Photo: AZPM
Big Jim Griffith, a popular and well-known folklorist in Arizona and Mexico, was recently honored by the National Endowment for the Arts. He joins us to talk about his many experiences and accomplishments, including the establishment of "Tucson Meet Yourself."
"Big Jim" Griffith will be honored next month in Washington, D.C., with a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Griffith is a folklorist who studies local living cultures, including the folklore and cultures of northern Mexico. He has authored several books on the subject, including one appearing in November, A Border Runs Through It.
Mexico is part of his focus, Griffith says, because, "Mexico is right here. We're on the border. We are the border."
Griffith says he is humbled and somewhat flummoxed to have been chosen for the national award.
This is long overdue, though I'm sure Jim wouldn't think so. His career as a teacher, folklorist, author, organizer of festivals, collector of songs, and as a musician in his own right, matches anyone's and betters most. I am proud to know him. 'Bout time, I say!
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Congratulations, Jim! You have made so many people happy and taught us about our community. Ted