When the Beale Street Caravan radio program returns this fall for its new season, it will be led by its first Black executive director, Memphis native Thomas O. Crivens Jr. 

Crivens graduated from White Station High School and Morehouse College; he obtained a Master of Business Administration from the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis. 

But, after holding executive positions in what is now Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp., Crivens decided to pursue music full-time in 2016. 

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That’s when he found something that combined music and business: an operations manager position with Beale Street Caravan. 

“It’s been a perfect fit ever since,” the Black Cream guitarist said.

Now, the former show producer of four years will take the helm of the globally distributed radio program. 

“I’m beyond excited and humbled at the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to the chance to continue spreading music created from all cultural segments in Memphis and the Mid-South,” Crivens said.

He steps into this role after former executive director Kevin Cubbins steps down after 20 years. 

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“I did feel like the end of the pandemic brought this moment where, if we were ever going to have a leadership transition, now’s the time. I am excited for Thomas, and I support the board 100% as he steps into that role,” Cubbins said in a press release. 

Beale Street Caravan is hosted by Jared Boyd, program manager at WYXR, and Pat Mitchell Worley, the newly named president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation.

Boyd started with Beale Street Caravan in 2019, and the position has allowed him to connect with a variety of Memphis musicians. Boyd will be on both fronts as program manager of WYXR, which will broadcast Beale Street Caravan on Tuesday mornings, and co-host of the show.

“Pat and I are excited to be back doing new shows. I can’t wait to hear the music that we’ll be able to be a part of and to share a lot of artists that people may have never heard of,” Boyd said.

For the past two years, Beale Street Caravan remained on air by broadcasting from its archives. With pandemic restrictions lifting, Beale Street Caravan is returning to live concerts and shows. Worley and Boyd will sit with artists and discuss the music performed and the artist’s Memphis musical influences.

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“While we’re not out of the woods yet, we have already begun creatively working with local artists, venues and music industry workers to capture some exciting shows for the new season,” Crivens said. “Beale Street Caravan has long held the capability to deliver live performances to the private listening experience. Many people are hesitant to see their favorite bands, so our programs offer COVID-friendly alternatives to hear them jamming in real life.”