The Newport Music Festival (Rhode Island Arts Foundation at Newport, Inc.) has played a significant cultural role in Rhode Island since its launch in 1969. In the years since, the festival has produced over 2000 concerts in a host of the Preservation Society of Newport County’s renowned Newport Mansions, and in various venues through Newport and surrounding communities. The festival stages have hosted over 1000 artists, and includes 130 American debuts of artists that have gone on to make history. Now in its 49th season, we remember those who contributed to the festival’s founding and legacy, and look forward to an inspired future.