Kentucky to the World

06/05/2026

From Kentucky to Hollywood and back again.

Jonathan Wolff shared the fascinating story of his journey from growing up in Kentucky to becoming one of the most recognizable composers in television. Best known for creating the iconic theme to —named one of the greatest TV theme songs of all time by TV Guide—Wolff gave a behind-the-scenes look at his career in Hollywood, the creative process behind television music, and how he landed opportunities others didn’t.

From playing bar mitzvahs and weddings as a teenager to composing for 75 prime-time series and creating 43 TV themes, Wolff helped shape the sound of modern television.

After decades in the industry, Wolff ultimately returned home to Louisville with his family—closing the loop on a remarkable Kentucky story.

Listen to the conversation Mr. Wolff had with KTW: https://www.kentuckytotheworld.org/video-youtube/a-conversation-with-jonathan-wolff

05/20/2026

ÅNGEL 004 grew up in Goshen, Kentucky (in a home her grandfather built by hand), wrote her first two albums by 17, and invented her own genre before the world had a category for her. The genre fuses country storytelling with K-Pop structure, honoring both the Kentucky girl and the Korean American woman she's always been.

When she lost her grandfather, she packed 3 suitcases, got in her Hyundai, and drove. What she found on the road only deepened the roots.

When people hear her voice and ask "You're from Kentucky?!" she gives them grace. And directions. She worked with KTW and founder Shelly Zegart long enough to learn Kentucky's legacy cold. Then she left and took it with her. Her words: "I am no longer working for Kentucky to the World. I am Kentucky to the World."

Read her Kentucky to the World story at the link in our comments.

05/11/2026

What happens when a girl who wanted to be a lawyer or an astronaut stumbles into a performing arts school? She finds her voice, and herself.

YPAS student Madeline Alt shares how YPAS transformed what she once considered a hobby into her life's direction. From singing with the Louisville Orchestra to applying to music programs in Nashville and LA, her story is proof that Kentucky builds world-class artists.

Kentucky doesn't just produce talent. It shapes it. Read Madeline's blog at the link in our comments.

05/08/2026

Which team are you? 👇 (We are both. We contain multitudes.)

KentuckyToTheWorld.org

05/05/2026

Kentucky produces world-class talent — and our friend and KTW collaborator Tracy Drain is proof!

A Louisville native and alumni of our Republic Bank Foundation Speaker Series, Tracy is a NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration flight systems engineer who is hosting a National Geographic Explorer Classroom virtual event on Thursday, May 7th — open to everyone!

When Kentucky kids see someone from their own backyard doing work this extraordinary, it sparks something. That's the kind of pride and inspiration that keeps talent rooted here.

National Geographic Explorer Classroom virtual event times: 10am ET / 7am PT and 2pm ET / 11am PT
Perfect for kids ages 6–14. Live polls, space and engineering insights, and real-time Q&A: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/event/engineering-adventures-in-space/

Share with a parent, teacher, or anyone investing in Kentucky's next generation. 🌍✨

05/01/2026

This weekend, the Kentucky Derby draws the attention of the world to our Commonwealth.

At Kentucky to the World, we believe that attention should extend far beyond the finish line.

Founded in 2012, KTW is a nonprofit dedicated to elevating the cultural and intellectual reputation of Kentucky on the global stage — through the stories of extraordinary Kentuckians in arts, science, innovation, civic leadership, and beyond.

The Derby tells the world that Kentucky is world-class. We tell them why it always has been.

If you’re a partner, sponsor, educator, or storyteller who believes in the power of this narrative — we’d love to connect.

Who we are:

1 like. "Who We Are: Kentucky To The World"

04/18/2026

Louisville Slugger: The Sound of a Nation

Istanbul. Kolkata. Chile. London. Stockholm. New York / Istanbul (twin festival).

From across the globe to right here at home—KTW’s Slugger short documentary is making waves with international film festival selections in five global cities and a 100% acceptance rate on all announced submissions to date.

This is Kentucky to the World in action—our stories traveling, connecting, and resonating on a global stage.

A huge congratulations to KTW board member and Director of Strategic Planning & Documentary Film Tommy Johns and the entire creative team for this incredible momentum and global recognition!

Special thanks to KTW board member Rick Redman for championing the opportunity to loop and showcase the film at the Slugger Museum—bringing this international story home in a powerful, full-circle way.

And thank you to the Kentucky Heritage Council - SHPO for supporting this work through America250 funding, helping propel Kentucky’s story onto the world stage.

Video in comments.

03/25/2026

"Women's wrestling is seen so much differently than it used to be. And it took so many strong women to fight for the space we hold in wrestling now." — Freya the Slaya ✨ This Women's History Month, we're spotlighting a revolution happening right here in Kentucky.

Meet Freya the Slaya — four-time OVW Women's Champion, Louisville-based trailblazer, and proof that women are redefining professional wrestling from the ground up.

You may also remember her from our speaker series event last summer, "Spectacle of Excess: Wrestling as American Performance Art," alongside WWE legend Al Snow — and her story goes far deeper than that unforgettable night.

From the ring to the Speed Art Museum, her story is about discipline, authenticity, and the power of making people feel something.

Read the full feature by Tommy Johns on the KTW blog. Link in the comments below.

📸: KTW Board Member and Director of Strategy and Documentary Film, Tommy Johns

03/24/2026

Last call! 🕺🔥

Our “I Danced with LaVelle Smith Jr.” shirts are almost gone and this is the final run of inventory. Once these are out, they’re out for good.

If you joined us for an unforgettable night of music, stories, and dancing, this tee is the perfect way to remember it. And if you missed it… here’s your chance to still grab a piece of the moment.

KTW's Emily Dixon (left) sporting the shirt earlier this month at the program. Grab yours before the last ones disappear - https://square.link/u/Ed2PRrLe

03/13/2026

Kentucky to the World Interim Executive Director (with board member and Director of Strategy present, ) recently presented to marketing team members from all 13 departments within the KY Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet.

The conversation highlighted the strong alignment between the Cabinet’s mission and KTW’s work to strengthen storytelling, build curriculum, and celebrate the people, culture, and innovation that make Kentucky special.

We’re grateful for our partners at the Cabinet and look forward to continuing to work together to show Kentucky to the World.