MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Frazier, Horhn, Burton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MALACO RECORDS OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, FOR RECEIVING THE PRESTIGIOUS "HERITAGE AWARD" FROM THE 1997 GOVERNOR'S AWARDS PROGRAM FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS. 

WHEREAS, Malaco Records Company, formed by Tommy Couch, Sr., Gerald "Wolf" Stephenson and Stuart Madison, has become a Mississippi phenomenon by gaining a national and international reputation for being the finest blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues recording studio in the world; and

WHEREAS, for 30 years, Malaco Records has recorded blues, gospel and R&B artists, making it possible for many of the state's musicians to stay home near church and family and maintain a recording career; and

WHEREAS, Malaco artists who have earned gold records are King Floyd ("Groove Me"), Jean Knight ("Mr. Big Stuff") and local blues legend Dorothy Moore ("Misty Blue"); and

WHEREAS, Malaco is also known throughout the world for its gospel recording artists; after recording the Jackson Southernairs in 1976, the label expanded its artist roster to include The Soul Stirrers, The Sensational Nightingales, The Angelic Gospel Singers, and The Mississippi Mass Choir, among others; and

WHEREAS, the company expanded its recording capabilities by adding Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel Records (1986), and Savoy Records (1987); and

WHEREAS, during the last three years, Malaco-Savoy-Muscle Shoals have had eight recordings to reach the Number One position on the Billboard, Cashbox and Black Radio Exclusive charts, being named by Billboard as the Top Gospel Label and the Top Distributing Label; and

WHEREAS, the Malaco-Savoy-Muscle Shoals groups have garnered Grammy, Stellar, Soul Train, and Gospel Music Workshop of America awards; and

WHEREAS, from its artist roster, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Dorothy Norwood, and the Mississippi Mass Choir were nominated for 1997 Grammy Awards; and R&B veteran, Johnnie Taylor, recently hit #1 with his CD Good Love; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we congratulate this outstanding record label which showcases Mississippi artists and brings great honor and recognition to our state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Malaco Records of Jackson, Mississippi, for receiving the prestigious "Heritage Award" from the 1997 Governor's Awards Program for Excellence in the Arts, and wish this outstanding record label success in its future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Malaco Records and copies be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.