Belmont University, renowned for its commitment to nurturing musical talent, recently honored the legacy of Dr. William Pursell with the establishment of the inaugural Bill Pursell Memorial Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship, awarded during the university’s Scholarship and Award Day on April 8, 2024, recognizes outstanding musical achievements and contributions by students Matthew Oliver and Sam Wood.
The ceremony, held at the Massey Performing Arts Center, was a poignant tribute to Dr. Pursell’s remarkable career spanning 37 years as a Professor of Music at Belmont University.
This scholarship is a tribute to the legacy Bill left at Belmont, the countless composition and commercial music students he taught and mentored over the years who have gone on to do great things. Student scholarships are the best way to honor his dedication to music and teaching. Bill was devoted to his students and gave of himself freely as a teacher. This scholarship is a way to continue that legacy.
Terry Klefstad, Professor of Music
Last summer, music enthusiasts gathered at Nashville’s iconic venue, 3rd & Lindsley, for a musical tribute honoring Dr. Pursell. Led by Netcom Music recording artist Laura Pursell, daughter of Bill Pursell, along with the Nashville All-Stars and the Nashville Recording Orchestra conducted by Steve Mauldin, the event showcased Dr. Pursell’s iconic arrangements and compositions. The evening featured performances of the work he did for legendary artists such as Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash.
Tragically, Dr. Pursell’s vision of completing a personal album was cut short by his untimely passing from COVID-19 in September 2020. However, his daughter, Laura Pursell, expressed gratitude to Netcom Music for enabling her to fulfill her father’s dream. The album, Lost in Time, features Dr. Pursell’s final compositions and arrangements, serving as a fitting tribute to his musical genius and spirit.
We are very proud and excited at Netcom Music to release our newest album, Lost in Time. This collection of songs contains the last work of my brother, Bill Pursell, and the brilliance of his arrangements of this music truly embody his spirit and musical genius. We know you will love it!
Raymond Clawson, owner of Netcom Music
Alongside his musical endeavors, Dr. Pursell was acclaimed for his role in music education. Bestowed with the title “Composer of the Year” by the Tennessee Music Teachers Association in 1985, he amassed a collection of honors over the years, culminating in the award of a Doctorate from the Eastman School of Music at the remarkable age of 70.
Upon concluding his tenure at Belmont University, Dr. Pursell was honored with the prestigious designation of “Professor Emeritus,” a reflection of his 37-year career as an educator. The enduring spirit of Dr. Pursell’s legacy is immortalized through the new Bill Pursell Memorial Scholarship, a fitting homage to his unwavering love for music and his enduring commitment to fostering the skills of upcoming generations of musicians.
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