Greenville blues musician Kern Pratt received a special surprise from another local artist Saturday night while playing a gig at the South Main Market & Deli.
Local artist Sean Burnley presented Pratt with an original acrylic painting that Pratt will use for the cover of his next album, “Greenville, Mississippi, What About You?”
The painting is a vibrant depiction of Pratt playing the guitar, and Pratt said the painting perfectly depicts the essence of his music.
“This painting is so amazing,” Pratt said as he wiped away a tear from his eye. “Sean did a great job, and I am so thankful for the work he did on this. It is truly inspiring.”
Pratt’s new album is scheduled to be released in early November, and pre-orders are already being taken on websites such as iTunes and CD Baby.
Pratt said his new album, which was produced by local musician Bob Dowell, is some of the best music he has ever made. It was inspired by the love he has for his hometown of Greenville.
“I lost my mother when I was seven years old, and my father had a Western Auto store in downtown Greenville,” Pratt said. “There was a music store close by and I saw the guitars in the window of a store, and I had to have one.”
Burnley said painting the album cover for Pratt was his pleasure. Burnley and Pratt grew up together as friends in Greenville, and both have used their art to help them heal from obstacles in their lives.
After struggling with addiction for decades, Pratt has now been sober for many years.
Burnley, meanwhile, lost his wife, Laurie, five years ago and has recently started painting again.
“I was in mourning for a long time, but I know that she would want me to continue with my art because it is what I love to do,” Burnley said.
