MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Frazier, Butler, Blount, Chassaniol, Norwood, Jackson (32nd), Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI BLUES SOCIETY AND THEIR TALENTED BLUES PERFORMERS.
WHEREAS, the musical history of American music is rooted in Mississippi Blues Music as commemorated by the Mississippi Blues Trail; and
WHEREAS, the Central Mississippi Blues Society, Inc., (CMBS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the International Blues Foundation. Central Mississippi Blues Society is actively involved in the promotion of the arts and music in central Mississippi, blues education for adults and youth, and partners with civic groups and community projects; and
WHEREAS, Central Mississippi Blues Society was started in 2006 by a group of blues enthusiasts and musicians who wanted to develop an organization that would promote the blues and other art forms in central Mississippi. That same year, the group formally organized itself and designated the organization as the Central Mississippi Blues Society. The organization appointed its first president in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Central Mississippi Blues Society has several goals:
• To promote the blues and culture of blues music in the Metro Jackson area and central Mississippi;
• To support musicians and blues clubs by encouraging live performances of blues;
• To exchange information about blues-related events and developing a forum in the central Mississippi area where people can share their appreciation and love for the blues;
• To support community events and organizations by sponsoring events that will benefit the general community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Central Mississippi Blues Society has sponsored a weekly Blues Jam for 13 years and sponsors Blues in the Schools and Blues in the Park events to encourage young people and others to support America's music that was started in the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Central Mississippi Blues Society continues to provide a venue for blues music, live entertainment, and promoting the history and culture of the Blues. The main intent is to promote and benefit from the art form that is enjoyed by those around the world; and
WHEREAS, Artists who helped found the Central Mississippi Blues Society include: Jessie Robinson, Lloyd Mun, Robert (Bull) Jackson, Dwight Ross, Austin Neil, Kirk Neil, and Abdul Rasheed; and
WHEREAS, Artist Board Members include: Pat Brown (local Recording Artist), Abdul Rasheed (Vocalist for the House Rockers), Keith Collins (Bass Player), and Malcolm Shepherd (congas and other rhythm instruments); and
WHEREAS, Artists who have performed at Blue Monday include: Bobbie Rush, Dorothy Moore, Eddie Cotton, Grady Champion, Zac Harmon, JJ Thames, Jerekus Singleton, Dexter Allen, Dennis Fountain, Sherman Lee Dillon and Family, Jock "Harmonica" Webb, Candy Man, Lady Trucker, Jewel Bass, Billy "Soul" Bonds, Melvin "Housecat" Hendrex, Lloyd Munn, Rafael Semmes, TiffStar, Annie "Little Miss Soul" Fairly, King Edward, Abdul Rasheed, Chris Gill, Fred T and the Band, Monica Shepherd, Bernard Jones, London Branch, Cedric Burnside, Mike Robb, and Malcolm Shepherd, Jr.; and WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend these musicians who have represented Mississippi's rich music heritage:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the cultural contributions of the Central Mississippi Blues Society and their talented blues performers, and encourage this organization to "Keep On, Keepin' On."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Malcolm Shepherd, Jr., forwarded to the Central Mississippi Blues Society and the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.