House Concurrent Resolution 79

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE MUSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND THE HOMECOMING OF NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED GOSPEL QUARTET, THE BLACKWOOD BROTHERS, UPON THEIR PERFORMANCE FOR THE CHOCTAW COUNTY HOMECOMING CONCERT AT ACKERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014.

WHEREAS, the world renowned and legendary "Blackwood Brothers," a name synonymous with gospel music and an award-winning quartet with significant ties to Choctaw County and Mississippi's musical and spiritual heritages, makes their return to the old stomping grounds for the Choctaw County Homecoming Concert to be held on March 29, 2014, at Ackerman Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, since 1934 when the quartet was formed by brothers, Doyle Blackwood, James Blackwood, Roy Blackwood and his son, R.W. Blackwood, Mississippians and the nation over, particularly those from Ackerman and Choctaw County, have proudly claimed to be the home of the original Blackwood family and quartet; and

WHEREAS, with more than 200 albums and tours in 47 countries to their credit, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet has accumulated eight Grammy Awards, six Dove Awards, an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the inclusion of their recording, "Crossing Chilly Jordan," as one of the 25 sound recordings marked in the Library of Congress registry for preservation because of its cultural, artistic and historic importance to the nation's aural legacy; and

WHEREAS, from "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" show to the Grand Ole Opry, to appearances with Johnny Cash and Billy Graham Crusades, the Blackwood Brothers have faithfully proclaimed the gospel in song, and today, 80 years since the formation of this most legendary group of dynamic, soul-stirring singers, the traditions of rendering unto God what is their reasonable service through the use of their gifts and talent of angelic song with which they have been blessed; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the legacy and commend the success of Mississippi's native sons who have risen to great acclaim on the wings of soulful gospel music and the overwhelming support of its heart of home in the residents of Choctaw County, as evidenced in the achievements and return home of the Blackwood Brothers:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby celebrate the musical accomplishments and the homecoming of nationally acclaimed gospel quartet, the Blackwood Brothers, upon their performance for the Choctaw County Homecoming Concert at Ackerman Baptist Church on Saturday, March 29, 2014, and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to each member of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.