The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival is presented by the Sonny Boy Blues Society, a 501 c 3 organization. Whose mission is to present and preserve the cultural heritage of the Delta the Society works year round on educational programs, live music events, the festival and programs that preserve the heritage of the blues. The Sonny Boy Blues Society (SBBS) was formed in 1987, by many of the people that were responsible for organizing the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (formerly KBBF). The group named themselves after Sonny Boy Williamson, one of the primary performers on King Biscuit Time radio show on KFFA radio. Sonny Boy's harp playing and singing is a major influence on many of the performers appearing at the ABHF.