In my 20’s, I was trying to make a living as a photographer while also holding down a job as a carpenter on the North Fork of eastern Long Island. Our family home bordered Downs Creek, where the Corchaug tribe, also known as the Montauketts, built their home. I would explore the creek and shoreline, discovering arrowheads and wampum along the way. This was the beginning of my life-long interest in Native culture. Eventually, my photography career led me to New York City, but I never forgot those early days. More recently, in 2010, my son Chris married Tim Long, a member of the Choctaw and Muscogee Creek tribes in Oklahoma. Over the years, Tim has taught me much about Native culture and ways.

Young artists today face an undeniable challenge, as I did many years ago, to launch a successful career in a very competitive field. With the formation of the Plimpton Foundation and the support of my extremely talented board of directors, my hope is that we can give as many Native and other underrepresented musicians the financial boost they may not otherwise have. 

Remember future recipients: it's not about the laurels; it’s about enjoying the journey.

Randy Plimpton, Founder of The Plimpton Foundation