House Concurrent Resolution 97

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE DESIRE OF THE LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL MUSICIANS' DAY IN MISSISSIPPI WITH THE GOAL OF ESTABLISHING THE CELEBRATION NATIONWIDE AND EXTENDING THE APPRECIATION OF THE LEGISLATURE TO ALL MISSISSIPPI MUSICIANS.

WHEREAS, there exists a genuine need for a National Musicians' Day to celebrate one of the highest forms of art in our world, an art form that Mississippi has nurtured throughout her history; and

WHEREAS, artists in the genres of blues, country, R&B, gospel, jazz and rap have aided in cultivating the highest standard of artistry that has given Mississippi the right to be deemed as the Birthplace of American Music; and

WHEREAS, from Robert Johnson to Jimmie Rodgers to B.B. King to Elvis Presley to Muddy Waters one would be hard pressed to find some form of American music that cannot find its history burgeoning either in the rich, dark Delta soil or under the warm Mississippi sun; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi has produced more Grammy Award winners per capita than any other state and Mississippi musicians have appeared live and on recordings in almost every type of music known; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi songwriters and musicians are respected worldwide by other songwriters, musicians and music fans and their work can be heard every day; and

WHEREAS, as their predecessors before them, current Mississippi musicians work daily perfecting their craft to bring joy and beauty into the world for all to enjoy; and

WHEREAS, by recognizing a National Musicians' Day, Mississippi towns, cities, communities and the state will have a chance to recognize various talented musicians who may or may not be locally or nationally recognized, thereby nurturing the art; and

WHEREAS, the state has recognized and is paying homage to Mississippi music by featuring B.B. King's guitar, Lucille, on the newly released Mississippi car tag; and

WHEREAS, the first week in June is a perfect time to celebrate the music of Mississippi and its impact on the United States and the rest of the world; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize exemplary accomplishments such as the numerous contributions to the music world by the numerous Mississippians who have made and continue to make the music that is celebrated throughout the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby encourage the Division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority to establish National Musicians' Day in Mississippi to celebrate the state's rich musical heritage and to encourage the nation to join Mississippi in honoring our musicians and their contributions to our lives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the division of Tourism of the Mississippi Development Authority, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.