House Resolution 91

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING LILLIAN LILLY UPON THIS HISTORIC OCCASION OF THE PRODUCTION OF HER FIRST MUSIC VIDEO AND RECOGNIZING HER YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE GOSPEL MUSIC INDUSTRY.

WHEREAS, Stellar Award nominee and world-renowned legendary Gospel recording artist, Lillian Lilly, will do the production of her first music video to the single, "At the Center of Grace" by Xpress Music Group on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, at Christ Tabernacle Church in Jackson, Mississippi, as a historic milestone in her solo career in the Gospel music industry; and

WHEREAS, the music video will be a live performance in front of an audience directed by James C. Birdsong, Jr., Miz Tiffany and Justin M. Burks, national award-winning figures in the Gospel music industry, entertainment and media arena, with Emmy Award nominated noted news anchor Kayla Thompson of WJTV News 12 hosting this historic occasion under production activities by JB Productions of Madison, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Lillian will be joined by an ensemble of students from the renowned Jackson State University Choir who will provide choral support in the music video under the director of Dr. Harry Cecil, faculty member of the Jackson State University Department of Music; and

WHEREAS, a charter member and principal lead vocalist of the two-time Grammy Award nominated, multi-Stellar Award, Dove and Soul Train Music Award winning Mississippi Mass Choir since 1988, Lillian Lilly, a Wesson, Mississippi, native, has been recording, performing and touring for more than 35 years throughout the United States and around the world; and

WHEREAS, the middle of 13 children, Lillian began singing at a young age in local churches and elementary school with her twin sister, Carolyn, as a member of The Two Star Juniors, which later became the Traveling Stars during her teenage years with her friends; and

WHEREAS, in 1979, Lillian recorded her first single, "I've Got a Feeling that Everything's Gonna Be Alright" and opened for Grammy Award nominated and winning groups such as the Jackson Southernaires, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Williams Brothers in concerts organized by the late Leon "Pop" Williams; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Mississippi Mass Choir, Lillian's best-known songs are "I Just Can't Tell You," "There Is None Like Him," "Holy City," "Let Him Bless You," "Lord, You're the Landlord" and her signature hit, "It's Good to Know Jesus," and she made history as the first solo artist in the choir to record two albums, "Gotta Have Faith" and "The Other Part of Me" on Malaco Records; and

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Lillian released "At the Center of Grace" on Xpress Music Group written by James C. Birdsong, Jr., and Shonda English, and she has plans to record her next solo album with the label; and

WHEREAS, Lillian has received numerous awards, honors, and nominations and also a RIAA certified platinum record for her participation on WOW Gospel 1998 with the late Reverend James Moore and the Mississippi Mass Choir; and

WHEREAS, Lillian is a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi, where Reverend Dr. Larry Jointer is the pastor; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence when demonstrated through the remarkable talent of Mississippi's native sons and daughters, especially those of Lillian Lilly's caliber, whose mastery of her craft has bestowed renowned national acclaim upon herself and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Lillian Lilly upon this historic occasion of the production of her first music video, recognize her years of service in the gospel music industry and extend best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.

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