The Highland Area Partnership recognized four exceptional young
musicians at the presentation of the inaugural Buddy Flett Emerging Musician Award during
the 22nd Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival.
The new award honors the life and legacy of beloved musician and friend Buddy Flett. It
celebrates the next generation of talent by recognizing an outstanding student guitarist
from Caddo, Bossier, or DeSoto Parish who embodies the passion, dedication, and soulful
artistry Buddy brought to every note he played.
Applicants shared their musical journeys, including how long they have played, the styles of
music that move them, how they have honed their craft, and the instruments that help
them find their voice. Each also submitted a video showcasing their talent and a letter of
recommendation from a teacher or mentor. Local musicians and the Highland Area
Partnership board of directors judged the applications.
Odin Cobb, a 9th grader from Parkway High School, was named the first recipient of the
award, chosen for his remarkable talent and his special relationship with Buddy. Odin’s
submission included a video of him going to see Buddy play and sitting in for Buddy during
his set break. The submission also included video of Odin’s band, Jester, playing, along with
letters of recommendations from friends of Buddy. Three finalists were also recognized:
Noah Grant, a 12th grader from Northwood High School; Adiel Allison, an 11th grader from
Caddo Magnet High School; and Luke Parker, a 10th grader from Airline High School.
Impressed by the caliber of talent, the board chose to honor all four students.
The original application promised a new guitar to the winner only, but generous
community support made it possible to present a guitar to every student. Shreveport Music
Company donated one new guitar, and the Band House donated two new guitars. Buddy’s
family gifted Odin one of Buddy’s own guitars, a Silvertone that had been tuned and made
ready to play. It is a cherished gift that carries Buddy’s music forward in the hands of the
next generation.
“The talent of these students is absolutely amazing, which is why we decided to recognize
all four students this year,” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, Executive Director, Highland Area
Partnership. “It was important to Buddy to pour into the musical talents of the youth and
we saw this as an opportunity to honor him while building up the next generation of
musicians to grace the stages of Highland Jazz and Blues Festival and beyond.”
The Highland Area Partnership thanks the students, their families and teachers, the judges,
and the businesses and family whose generosity made this recognition possible.