Senate Concurrent Resolution 596

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CIVIC AND CHARITABLE SERVICE AND CAREER OF WTVA TELEVISION PERSONALITY KAY BAIN OF TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, for three generations of television viewers in Northeast Mississippi, the team of Buddy and Kay Bain was synonymous with the "Mornin' Show" on Tupelo's WTVA-Channel 9 and the considerable civic and charitable work of this generous couple; and

WHEREAS, even though Buddy Bain died on May 24, 1997, Kay continues her hectic "Mornin' Show" schedule and many functions and special events; in April 1997, Kay was presented the "Good Samaritan" by the City of Tupelo for the work she and Buddy did, and in 1999 the Mississippi Legislature designated a portion of U.S. Highway 45 in Lee, Prentiss and Alcorn Counties as the "Buddy and Kay Bain Highway"; and

WHEREAS, Kay was born in Corinth, Mississippi. When she was still a baby, her family moved to Michie, Tennessee. Kay began to sing when she was 4 years old. She was very involved in school plays and musicals. Kay also spent time playing first base on the school softball team. At age 13, she was invited to sing on Buddy Bain's "Farm and Home Hour" on WCMA in Corinth. After graduating from Michie High School, Kay joined Buddy Bain and the Buddies. The band opened shows for Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and many stars of the Grand Ole Opry; and

WHEREAS, in March of 1957, The Buddy Bain Show made its appearance on Channel 9. The half-hour show aired live on Wednesday nights. Buddy and Kay were married on June 22, 1957. The couple later was asked to host the "Sunshine Talent Showcase." Among the artists who made appearances on the program was Tammy Wynette. Buddy and Kay both continued to work in radio across Northeast Mississippi and made live appearances weekly. In 1971, Buddy and Kay were invited to sing on the Grand Ole Opry, the first of several trips for them; and

WHEREAS, in 1978, Buddy and Kay once again returned to WTVA, this time to host a daily program called "Mornin'." In October 1978, the first show went on the air. Among nationally known celebrities who shared a cup of coffee with Buddy and Kay were Art Linkletter, Patsy Montana, J.D. Sumner and Bill Anderson. Tim McGraw made his first television appearance on the show in 1991. Buddy and Kay Bain were the hosts for hundreds of British, Japanese and other fans who visited the Elvis Presley birthplace each year. Buddy and Kay Bain's song "Tupelo" was a big success throughout north Mississippi; it tells the story of Tupelo and served as the couple's theme song whenever they performed. Buddy and Kay received an invitation to appear on the syndicated country music show "Hee Haw" in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Buddy and Kay were always on the road entertaining at nursing homes, festivals and special events across the area. They devoted much of their time to help many charities, including the American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association and The Diabetes Foundation. They were honored for their work by the Exchange Club in 1988 with the organizations "Golden Deed" Award. The City of Tupelo honored the couple in 1993 with a day in their honor and a cruise vacation, and November 3, 1996, was declared as "Buddy and Kay Day" by the Governor; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride and nostalgia that we recognize the charitable contributions and special talents of this remarkable lady who has brought joy to the residents of her community and to 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 the long civic and charitable service and career of WTVA-Channel 9 television personality Kay Bain of Tupelo, Mississippi, and extend to her the best wishes of the Legislature on all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Kay Bain and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.