MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2021 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Horhn, Blount, Michel, Norwood, Frazier, Chassaniol, Barnett, Fillingane, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Simmons (13th)

Senate Resolution 16

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE RECOGNITION OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO VERSATILE MUSICIAN NELLIE MCINNIS AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2021 GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC.

     WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards Program has announced its 2021 recipients, which includes Nellie McInnis for Excellence in Music; and

     WHEREAS, established in 1988, Governor's Arts Awards are given to individuals and organizations to recognize outstanding work in the artistic disciplines, as well as arts-based community development and arts patronage in Mississippi.  The awards are presented in partnership with the Governor's Office and signify the important relationship between government and the arts; and

     WHEREAS, known to her fans as "Nellie Mack," Nellie McInnis grew up in the capital city with a strong love for music.  Though she was steered toward the piano, Nellie Mack rejected gender stereotypes and pursued the bass guitar; and

     WHEREAS, while studying music at Jackson State University, she formed the group Past, Present and Future with Rhonda Richmond and future Grammy winner and Governor's Arts Award recipient Cassandra Fowlkes Wilson; and

     WHEREAS, McInnis' skill on the electric bass was quickly noticed, and she took her high-energy performing style to audiences across the state, the nation and as far as Finland, Belgium, and Norway.  She has shared the stage with some of the greatest musicians of the modern era, including Jazz Legend Ellis Marsalis, R&B Hitmakers The Bar-Kays, Bluesman Bobby Bland, Governor's Arts Award recipient Dorothy Moore, Clark Terry and the late Jazz Giant Dizzy Gillespie; and

     WHEREAS, in recent years, McInnis has settled back in her hometown of Jackson to be close to family.  She formed her popular live band "The Nellie Mack Project" and plays regularly at her church; and

     WHEREAS, McInnis remains a highly sought-after live performer but is also committed to music education.  She received a Master's of Music Education from Jackson State University and dedicates time to teaching young people about music as a member of the Mississippi Arts Commission's Artist Roster; and

     WHEREAS, before the quarantine in 2020 brought live performances to a near standstill, Nellie Mack played regularly at festivals and concerts around the region.  Her hope, and that of her fans, is that Nellie Mack will be bringing her stellar musicianship and show-stopping performances back to audiences in the very near future; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute and express appreciation for the talent of a world-class musician who has made Mississippi a better place and exemplifies the musical traditions of our great state:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the recognition of the Mississippi Senate to Nellie McInnis, the recipient of the 2021 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Music, and extend our congratulations to this mighty musician on this auspicious occasion.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Nellie McInnis as part of the Governor's Arts Awards presentation, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.