Fred Thomas gets his smile back

Since founding Music Maker in 1994, we’ve worked hard to save American roots music by helping the musicians who make it meet their day-to-day needs. This spring, Fred Thomas approached us to ask for help with one of the most common needs we see: dental work.

“My teeth were so bad that I had a hard time eating the foods I like,” says Fred. “I also have a side career doing television commercials here in New York City; recently I had been selected over hundreds of others, but I felt ashamed to go. To be onstage, you need to be able to present yourself with a smile!”

A lifelong musician, Fred played bass for James Brown in his legendary funk and soul band, The JB’s, for 35 years. Now 79 years old, he continues to perform, playing with the Music Maker Blues Revue and leading his own group back home in Brooklyn. But like many working musicians, Fred has always struggled to make ends meet despite brushing shoulders with fame.

When his teeth started to deteriorate, Fred knew he wouldn’t be able to get his smile back on his own. Medicare won’t cover most dental expenses, including dentures. The price of dentures has skyrocketed over the last 30 years and can cost $3,000 to $8,000 or more.

Having proper teeth is essential for good health – and for artists to feel confident performing and greeting their fans. Thanks to generous music lovers like you, Music Maker Foundation was able to fully fund Fred’s dentures this summer. He brought his new smile with him to the Music Maker Blues Revue concert in Durham, NC this fall, and is excited for more gigs to come. “I am thrilled to be looking good and to express myself as I wish again,” Fred says.

Music Maker was founded thirty years ago to preserve American roots music traditions and the musicians who sustain them, many of whom are seniors living on a fixed income from Social Security. Our partner artists have an average monthly income of $1,140, which puts them just above the federal poverty level of $13,590 for a single person. 50% have skipped paying monthly bills in the past year for lack of funds, and 22% have had to pawn their instruments. Your gift provides life-changing aid to these vulnerable artists through our Sustenance Program, which provides:

• Monthly stipends of $300 to $500 for senior artists living on less than $25,000 per year, which helps them pay their utility bills and rent and keep food in the house;
• Medical support including help with dental work, medical bills for emergency procedures, incontinence supplies, and grocery delivery after major surgeries;
• Emergency grants to help artists in crisis situations;
• Home repairs and appliances to keep homes safe and warm;
• Transportation to help them get to gigs, the doctor’s office, and the grocery store to maintain their health and their careers; and
• Artistic grants including instruments and Music Maker-produced albums to enhance their gig income.

Over the last 30 years, donors like you have helped us provide over 16,668 grants to more than 500 artists. With your support, we can continue this work for decades to come. Will you make a gift to Music Maker this holiday season to help senior roots musicians like Fred? All donations will be matched up to $100,000 through December 31st, 2024!