Malaco Music Group Establishes $130,000 Scholarship at Ole Miss Law in Honor of Late Attorney Bob Malouf

In a move that underscores the close ties between the Southern music scene and legal education, Malaco Music Group announced a $130,000 endowed scholarship at the University of Mississippi School of Law in memory of former attorney Bob Malouf. The gift, made by Malaco owners Tommy Couch Sr., Tommy Couch Jr., Stewart Madison, and Wolf Stephenson, will fund the Robert A. Malouf Scholarship in Law Endowment and is intended to support second‑year law students who rank in the top half of their class and demonstrate financial need.

Malaco Music Group, founded in 1968 and known as the Last Soul Company, has been a key player in the independent recording industry, shaping Southern R&B, soul and gospel music. Bob Malouf, a 1978 Ole Miss Law graduate, served as the company’s primary legal counsel for decades. He handled complex contracts, negotiated releases, and advised on emerging legal questions that arose as the music industry evolved. Colleagues describe him as a sharp, adaptable attorney who could quickly learn new issues and provide honest, practical guidance.

By linking legal education with the music industry, the scholarship encourages students to consider careers in music law, a field that has grown as streaming, licensing, and digital distribution reshape revenue streams. Malaco’s leadership in Southern R&B and gospel has produced artists such as Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Bland, and the company’s legal challenges over rights and royalties exemplify the complex issues that law students may face. The scholarship also reflects a broader trend of industry stakeholders investing in legal talent to protect artists’ interests in an era of rapid technological change.

The scholarship will be awarded annually by the University of Mississippi Foundation, which administers the endowment. Eligible candidates are second‑year students who rank in the top 50 percent of their cohort and have demonstrated financial need. The selection committee reviews academic records, financial statements, and a brief statement of purpose. The $130,000 endowment is intended to provide a single annual award that covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for the recipient. The scholarship is designed to honor Malouf’s legacy of integrity, hard work, and commitment to the music community.

According to the announcement, the scholarship reflects Malouf’s character and the values he embodied. 'We are deeply grateful for this thoughtful and lasting gift, which not only honors the life and legacy of our alumnus, Bob Malouf, but also opens doors of opportunity for future generations of students,' said Frederick Slabach, dean of the School of Law. Malaco executives emphasized that the award is not intended to reward the highest‑ranking student but rather those who demonstrate the same work ethic and determination that defined Malouf’s career. 'We want to give students the freedom to study, to grow, to think outside the box, like Bob did,' added Couch Jr.

Bob Malouf, who earned his law degree from Ole Miss in 1978, passed away on December 26, 2025. His legacy lives on through the scholarship, which the donors hope will inspire future law students to pursue careers that bridge music and legal practice. The University of Mississippi Foundation accepts contributions to the endowment by check or online, with the fund’s name written in the memo line. The scholarship will be administered through the university’s scholarship office, which will handle award notification and financial disbursement. Students who receive the award will be invited to attend a memorial event honoring Malouf’s contributions to the music community.