Bill Text: MS HC66 | 2015 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Eddie Cotton, Jr.; commend upon winning 1st place in the Band Division at the 2015 International Blues Challenge.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2015-03-05 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC66 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2015-HC66-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Denton, Dixon
House Concurrent Resolution 66
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING VICKSBURG BLUES SOCIETY MUSICIAN, EDDIE COTTON, JR., UPON BEING CROWNED THE 2015 BAND DIVISION CHAMPION OF THE 31ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY THE BLUES FOUNDATION IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.
WHEREAS, January 24, 2015, will forever be the day that solidified the musical artistry and indomitable presence of Vicksburg Blues Society musician Eddie Cotton, Jr., on the national Blues scene when the Blues Foundation honored him with the coveted first place Band Division championship title for the 31st Annual International Blues Challenge, held at the historic and majestic Orpheum Theatre, located in the heart of the Memphis entertainment district at the corner of Main and Beale Streets; and
WHEREAS, an electric Blues guitarist from Clinton, Mississippi, Mr. Cotton, a minister's son, grew up singing and playing gospel music at church and performing the music of Blues legends such as B.B. King at home; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton studied music theory at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, before he went on to serve as minister of music at his father's church and create harmonious music history, as this seemingly unlikely combination of musical interests is precisely what engages Mr. Cotton's audiences, who appreciate his combination of classic electric Blues with funky rhythms, soulful vocals and some downright blistering guitar playing; and
WHEREAS, whether he is punctuating old favorites with his own inflections or crooning an Eddie Cotton, Jr., original with stunning energy, audiences are sure to take notice of this Blues artist who demonstrates deep respect and appreciation for his craft; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton was voted second "Best Blues Artist" in the 2009 "Best of Jackson" issue of the Jackson Free Press; and
WHEREAS, distinguishing himself from a field of 250 bands, including 50 from outside the United States who competed in the 2015 International Blues Challenge, Mr. Cotton, with an inherent gift of musicality and appreciation, took the competition and the world by storm after competing and winning first place in the Band Division at the final round of competition on Saturday, January 24, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the incredible musical stylings of Mr. Cotton and other Bluesmen at the International Blues Challenge drew more than 10,000 fans from around the world who were eager to witness the masterful rifts and melodious performances of the Blues, a music genre that truly allows people to be themselves and get completely lost in the beautiful rhythms being smoothly strummed on the guitar with undeniable skill; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the accomplishments of Mississippi's native sons who have made such an indelible impression in the music industry by receiving such a prestigious honor and bestowing an overwhelming sense of pride upon this Magnolia State, as evidenced by the achievements of Mr. Cotton, who considers being a Bluesman one of the highest callings on God's green earth:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Vicksburg Blues Society musician, Eddie Cotton, Jr., upon being crowned the 2015 Band Division champion of the 31st Annual International Blues Challenge presented by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Eddie Cotton and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
