House Concurrent Resolution 65

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE "KING OF THE BLUES," MISSISSIPPI'S B. B. KING, AND ACKNOWLEDGING HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Blues' foremost artist, by anybody's standard, is Mississippi's favorite son, B. B. King, and the guitar master has the licks and the hits to prove it; and

WHEREAS, from the 1940s to present day, there has been only one King of the Blues, Riley B. King, affectionately known as B. B. King, who has released over 50 albums, sold more than 40 million records worldwide, won 13 Grammys, performed in more than 90 countries and honored by presidents and kings alike; and

WHEREAS, born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, on a cotton plantation in Berclair, outside Itta Bena, Mississippi, known for his humility, work ethic, perseverance and heart, he acquired the name, "B. B.," which stood for Beale Street Blues Boy or just Blues Boy, while performing in Memphis; and

WHEREAS, with dazzling perseverance, B. B. King, who is envied by musicians internationally, continues to blaze new trails into the uncharted territories of the musical industry, by exhibiting an insurmountable dedication to his musical career which has made him one of the most prominent figures within the Blues genre for more than half a century; and

WHEREAS, along with his legendary guitar, "Lucille," B. B. continues touring extensively, averaging over 250 concerts per year around the world, giving him rightful claim to the title of "King of the Blues," which is most befitting, as he has long established himself in the majestic palaces of the world's stage as a musical icon, lifting the Blues from the confines of the American South and delivering it to a worldwide audience; and

WHEREAS, despite having an illustrious career and appearing in some of the world's most eminent venues, B. B. King is a proud ambassador of his home state, and Mississippi is even prouder of this native son whose achievements include: Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; Presidential Medal of the Arts; Kennedy Center Honors; National Heritage Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts; honorary doctorate degrees from Yale, Berklee College of Music, Rhodes College, Tougaloo College and Mississippi Valley State University; National Award of Distinction from the University of Mississippi; Hollywood Walk of Fame; Amsterdam (Holland) Walk of Fame; 13 Grammys, including two in 2003 and still counting; Songwriters' Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award; and the 2004 recipient of the Polar Music Prize, the musical equivalent of the Nobel Prize, presented by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the legendary Mr. King, who has served with distinction as an ambassador for the State of Mississippi, bringing honor to his home community, region and state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the career of the "King of the Blues," Mississippi's B. B. King, declaring Tuesday, February 15, 2005, as B. B. King Day in the Legislature, and extend to him our best wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to B. B. King and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.