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The University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced on April 3 that Whole Lotta Shakin', a Humanities Texas-funded radio documentary chronicling the history of rockabilly music, was one of the thirty-five recipients of this year's prestigious George Foster Peabody Award.

The Peabody Awards recognize distinguished achievement and meritorious public service by TV and radio stations, networks, producing organizations, individuals and the World Wide Web.

Established in 1940, the award is the oldest and most prestigious honor in electronic media.

In a note to Executive Director Michael L. Gillette, excerpted below, Whole Lotta Shakin' producer Lex Gillespie credited Humanities Texas for its early and crucial support of the project:

April 3, 2008

Dear Dr. Gillette:

Receiving your grant was a big initial boost for us; THMF Executive Director Kathleen Hudson and I truly appreciate your support.

You enabled us to start production and seek other funding, and the series received additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in the months that followed your grant to us.

Public Radio International is currently distributing this 10-hour series on the history of rockabilly music, and our website has the complete archived series.

Once again, thank you very much for your generous support of this series!

Sincerely,

Lex Gillespie
Producer
Whole Lotta Shakin'