Chattanooga’s Live Music Scene – UTC Scholarship Named For Bill E. Payne

Bill E. Payne 1948-2016

Bill E. Payne loved music and played it for most of his life. He especially enjoyed writing music and composing songs. While he leaves us with recordings of many of his songs, his legacy will be shared with others through the Bill E. Payne Memorial Scholarship at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Needless to say, I am proud of my Brother. It goes to show what a special person he was to many people to have this established in his name.

Here are the details:

An annual scholarship award of $1,000 will be given to a deserving student for the Bill Payne Memorial Annual Music Scholarship. The recipient will be selected by a Scholarship Committee of the Music Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The annual scholarship shall be open to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, or veteran status, subject to the following criteria:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled at or admitted to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
• Additional preferences are as follows:
• Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Applicants must hold current status in good standing.
• Applicants must demonstrate successful academic performance.
• A student holding the Bill Payne Memorial Annual Music Scholarship in one year shall be excluded from consideration in subsequent years.
• It is the Donors’ strong desire that applicants possess a passion for both performing and creating music, either instrumental or vocal, with a preference given for those interested in traditional American country and folk music if possible.  It is as a composer and performer of those genres of music that Bill Payne is fondly remembered by friends and family.
• Financial need may be considered.

All donations can be sent to the UTC Development Office at 615 McCallie Avenue, Dept. 6806 Chattanooga, TN 37403 noting the gift is for the Bill Payne Memorial Annual Music Scholarship.