MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Robertson, Johnson (19th), Williamson, Hewes, Dawkins, Burton, Chamberlin

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE "3 DOORS DOWN" ROCK BAND FROM ESCATAWPA, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Coast's "3 Doors Down," rock band which originated in Escatawpa, Mississippi, and made the hit song, "Kryptonite," was named favorite new artist in the pop category at the American Music Awards; and

WHEREAS, when radio station WCPR in Biloxi, Mississippi, started getting phone calls for a song by a band from nearby Escatawpa, the staff figured it was hearing from the group's friends and relatives, but the song was "Kryptonite," and the group was 3 Doors Down, a four-piece rock band whose beefy sound and explosive dynamics generate a high-impact blend of modern sonics and timeless rock conventions; and

WHEREAS, music has always been in the crosshairs for singer-drummer Brad Arnold, bassist Todd Harrell and guitarists Matt Roberts and Chris Henderson, longtime friends from Escatawpa, each of whom felt the call early, particularly Arnold, who, as a child, would "set up pots and pans when I was little, just beat on stuff, whatever I could find."

WHEREAS, having older siblings, four sisters and two brothers, gave the fledging, utensil-banging drummer and his friends a valuable musical grounding; through his brothers and sister, he developed a taste for commercial rock before graduating to heavier fare. "I kinda like everything," says Arnold. "Everything influences me, everything I hear."

WHEREAS, the trio played its first gig at a friend's party, and the three became four about two years ago, when Henderson, who had played in previous bands with Harrell, was invited in to bolster the group's sound; now they are five, having added drummer Richard Liles, from nearby Hattiesburg, so Arnold can step out and front the band. Meanwhile, the songs kept coming, and in 1997, 3 Doors Down recorded some demos. They pressed a CD to sell at gigs, and fans flocked out to see them live, numbering more than 2,000 per show. That, coupled with the buzz generated by "Kryptonite," brought major labels calling and sent the band to New York City, where it showcased at the legendary CBGB's and was signed by Republic/Universal; and

WHEREAS, all of the songs feature the dynamic interplay of Roberts and Henderson's guitars atop the muscular rhythmic bed provided by Arnold and Harrell, but ultimately, the bassist and senior member of 3 Doors Down feels the sound is what says the most about the group. "It's a rock 'n' roll band, straight up," Harrell explains. "It's not really alternative or metal or anything, it's rock 'n' roll":

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the "3 Doors Down" rock band from Escatawpa, Mississippi, and wish them continued success in their future musical endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to 3 Doors Down and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.