Article Contributed by 117 Enterainment Group
Published on 2026-10-27
Photo ID (L-R): Shenandoah's Mike McGuire, Mac McAnally, Shenandoah's Marty Raybon
Grammy Museum® Mississippi has announced that the Lyrics and Latitudes 2026 Gala, which was held on October 22, has raised a total of $180,000. Proceeds will directly benefit the Museum’s education programs. The 2026 Gala was held at Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Miss., and honored Grammy®-nominated artists Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally with the eighth annual Crossroads of American Music Award, with a special celebratory performance by Grammy® Award-winning country group Shenandoah. This year’s Gala also honored Hayes Cooper Center teachers Leslie Bishop and Maria Mondragon with the seventh annual L.U.C.Y. Award (Lifting Up Children and Youth).
Mississippi natives Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally shared a friendship and musical partnership that spanned more than four decades. Buffett, born in Pascagoula and a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, became known for hits including “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” McAnally, who grew up in Belmont, is a singer-songwriter, producer, and 10-time CMA Musician of the Year whose songs have been recorded by artists including Alabama, Kenny Chesney, and Shenandoah. The two first connected in the late 1970s, beginning a longtime friendship that led to numerous musical collaborations. McAnally became a member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and contributed as a songwriter, musician, and producer to Buffett’s recordings and performances over the years. Together, they built a musical legacy that continues to connect with audiences across generations.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came as honoree Mac McAnally took the stage for a special performance honoring his longtime friend and collaborator, Jimmy Buffett. McAnally performed Buffett’s beloved “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and “It’s My Job,” a song McAnally wrote that Buffett recorded and performed, as heartfelt tributes to the late singer-songwriter. McAnally also performed his own song, “Back Where I Come From,” celebrating his Mississippi roots. GRAMMY® Award-winning country group Shenandoah added to the evening’s celebration with a performance of “Two Dozen Roses,” another song written by McAnally, highlighting his lasting influence as a songwriter.
McAnally's enduring songwriting talent continues to shine with the announcement of a Christmas single, “What I Didn’t Get For Christmas,” set for release on November 6. The song was originally recorded by Buffett for his 2016 album 'Tis The SeaSon. Pre-save here.
“Tonight was a special celebration of Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally’s lasting musical legacies,” said Emily Havens, Executive Director of Grammy Museum Mississippi. “Mac’s tribute and Shenandoah’s performance made the evening unforgettable. We were also proud to honor L.U.C.Y. Award recipients Leslie Bishop and Maria Mondragon. Thanks to our generous supporters, we raised $180,000 to support music education across Mississippi.”
The 2026 Grammy Museum Mississippi Gala was presented by Quality Steel, with additional support provided by platinum sponsors Cannon Motors of Mississippi, Kirk Auto, the Paul Janoush Family, and Whole Cellars Package Store. The event featured a special performance by Memphis-based dance/music ensemble Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster.
The Gala also included a special menu catered by chef David Crews, and live and silent auctions with items to bid on from Grammy-winning artists such as Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown.
Established by the Museum’s Board of Directors, the Crossroads of American Music Award honors an artist who has made significant musical contributions influenced by the creativity born in the cradle of American music. Past recipients of the Crossroads of American Music Award are Grammy winners the late Charley Pride and Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Rush, Marty Stuart, Keb’ Mo’, Rosanne Cash, and Trombone Shorty.
The annual Grammy Museum Mississippi Gala is the Museum’s signature fundraising event. Proceeds from this year’s gala will benefit the Museum’s education programs, which seek to use music as a gateway to learning by inspiring and cultivating creativity, critical thinking and self-expression.
