“Y’all have never turned us down”

Gospel drummer Curtis Harper knows a thing or two about working hard. But like many of the elder roots musicians we serve, he has had to face a difficult truth: Sometimes, a lifetime of hard work simply isn’t enough.

Despite spending their lives enriching American culture, the artists we work with live on an average of $1,150/month. Coping with medical emergencies, rising housing costs, and everyday crises on such a modest income is simply impossible – even for those who continue working side jobs into their sunset years.

Thankfully, music lovers like you are there to offer a hand up in their times of need.

This holiday season, your gift works twice as hard to help senior artists like Curtis get back on their feet. All donations made by December 31 will be matched at 100% up to $100,000. Can we count on your help?

Born in rural Farmville, Curtis Harper has spent his life bringing eastern North Carolina’s sacred soul tradition to the world. He grew up in the same circles as celebrated gospel quartet The Glorifying Vines Sisters and became their drummer in 1975; he also joined the Vines family officially in 1982, when he married singer Mattie. In 2025, Curtis and Mattie celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary – and saw the group to which they’ve devoted their lives receive the North Carolina Heritage Award, the highest honor for traditional artists in the state.

But despite their contributions to our culture, music never brought in enough money to keep their family afloat, forcing Curtis to take on extra jobs to make ends meet. Now in his 70s, Curtis continues to work as a school bus driver; in the summer, when school isn’t in session, he mows lawns. When Mattie lost her mobility after a stroke, he took on yet another job: caregiver.

For seniors managing many responsibilities on a tight budget, an unexpected expense can spell disaster. This year, the truck Curtis used to transport his landscaping equipment finally gave out. He found a reliable used vehicle to replace it, but couldn’t afford the $2,500 price tag. Without a way to transport his equipment, he would have to shutter his lawn business – and lose much of his family’s income.

That’s where Music Maker stepped in. When we learned about Curtis’ situation, we issued him an emergency grant to cover the full cost of replacing his truck. Curtis and Mattie also receive monthly grants from our Sustenance Program to ease their financial burden. Thanks to generous music lovers like you, Curtis can continue supporting his family – and the vibrant gospel community of eastern North Carolina.

“Music Maker has helped us a whole lot,” says Curtis. “Y’all have never turned us down.”

Curtis’ situation is not unique. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the percentage of seniors who work past retirement age will grow to 21% by 2032. This is already a reality for many older artists. After a lifetime on the margins of the mainstream music industry, they often find themselves having to work demanding jobs well into their 70s just to stay out of poverty.

We dream of a world where senior artists can enjoy their golden years with dignity and security, pursuing their craft and leaving a rich legacy for future generations. But we can’t do it alone.

Will you consider making a gift to Music Maker this holiday season? Your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by one of our generous donors, doubling your impact on the lives of American roots musicians in need.

We wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Thank you for being part of the Music Maker family.