MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Blackmon, Johnson (19th), Hall, Horhn

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING THE CANTON SPIRITUALS OF CANTON, MISSISSIPPI, ON THEIR FIRST LIVE RECORDING IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AT GREATER BETHLEHEM TEMPLE APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH, 1505 ROBINSON STREET, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1999.

WHEREAS, The Canton Spirituals was organized and founded in the early 1940's by Mr. Warren G. Ward, Rev. I.S. Watkins and the late Mr. Harvey Watkins, Sr., of Canton, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, The Canton Spirituals' contribution to the gospel music industry has been, and continues to be, phenomena. The project "Live in Jackson, Mississippi" promises fans worldwide to be the very best of The Canton Spirituals; and

WHEREAS, they acquired national recognition as the only gospel quartet in America, and the only Mississippi gospel artist to receive two Stellars at the 1997 Stellar Gospel Music Awards; and

WHEREAS, among other accomplishments, they have received honors such as: the 1998 Urban Network Award, the 1998 Gospel Artist of the Year Award, 1998 Inductees into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and 1993 Grammy nominees for the project, "Live in Memphis I." The Canton Spirituals is credited for inspiring and encouraging many local and nationally known artists to pursue their dreams in spirit and truth. Their love and adoration for their music is authentically expressed through true commitment to God, and to one another; and

WHEREAS, The Canton Spirituals consist of eight members; they are: Victor Allen, Merlin Lucious, Michael Richardson, Wallace Strickland, Theo Thompson, Norman Williams, Cornelius DeWayne Watkins and Harvey Watkins, Jr.; The Canton Spirituals' executive staff is: Thomas C. Saulsberry, Booking Agent; Leon White and James Moye, Transportation Coordinators; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a group of citizens who have presented to the world a positive image for the State of Mississippi:

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 honor The Canton Spirituals of Canton, Mississippi, on their first live recording in Jackson, Mississippi, at Greater Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Faith Church, 1505 Robinson Street, Jackson, Mississippi, Saturday, February 6, 1999.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to The Canton Spirituals and that copies be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.