House Resolution 113

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LEGENDARY BILLY F. GIBBONS OF ZZ TOP FOR HIS ENDURING SUPPORT OF THE DELTA BLUES MUSEUM AND DECLARING APRIL 9, 2025, AS "DELTA BLUES MUSEUM DAY" IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Delta, rich in heritage and steeped in the rhythms of a people whose experiences gave rise to the Blues, stands as the birthplace of one of America's greatest cultural contributions to the world; and

WHEREAS, among the most revered stewards of this cultural legacy is the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, which continues to preserve, promote, and honor the music, artists and stories that shaped the soul of a nation; and

WHEREAS, Billy F. Gibbons, the iconic singer, guitarist and frontman of the legendary Texas rock band, ZZ Top, has for decades demonstrated steadfast commitment to the preservation of Blues music and has been a vocal and visible supporter of the Delta Blues Museum; and

WHEREAS, a longtime aficionado and practitioner of Blues-influenced music, Mr. Gibbons co-wrote and recorded the song "My Head's In Mississippi" following a formative visit to the Delta Blues Museum — an experience that deepened his appreciation for Mississippi's musical roots and inspired countless others to engage with this vital heritage; and

WHEREAS, from his early days with the psychedelic group, The Moving Sidewalks, to global acclaim with ZZ Top and his critically praised solo album works, including, Perfectamundo, The Big Bad Blues and Hardware, Mr. Gibbons has carried Mississippi's musical DNA through decades of innovative and authentic artistry; and

WHEREAS, with his unmistakable long beard, vintage guitars like his treasured "Pearly Gates," and deep respect for the Blues, Billy Gibbons has not only captivated audiences but used his platform to advocate for the cultural importance of institutions like the Delta Blues Museum; and

WHEREAS, his work alongside fellow legends like the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and his recent contributions to soundtracks such as "Land Man" continue to shine a global spotlight on the Blues traditions birthed in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize individuals of Mr. Gibbons' prestige, who preserve and promote Mississippi's cultural legacy as philanthropic benefactors and ambassadors of musical artistic expression and perpetuating acknowledgement of the value of the Delta Blues Museum:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor and commend Mr. Billy F. Gibbons for his enduring support of the Delta Blues Museum and his contributions to the preservation and celebration of Mississippi's musical heritage.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That April 9, 2025, be declared "Delta Blues Museum Day" in the State of Mississippi, and that all citizens are encouraged to celebrate and support the museum's vital mission to honor the roots of the Blues and its lasting global influence.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Billy F. Gibbons, the Delta Blues Museum and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.