MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Karriem, Johnson (94th), Paden, Perkins, Clarke, Hines, Bain, Banks, Baria, Bell (65th), Burnett, Calhoun, Denton, Dortch, Ellis, Gibbs (36th), Gibbs (72nd), Holland, Holloway, Hudson, Mickens, Miles, Reynolds, Straughter, Sykes, Thomas, Watson, Williams-Barnes, Wooten
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING FAMOUS BLUESMAN BOBBY RUSH UPON WINNING THE GRAMMY IN THE TRADITIONAL BLUES CATEGORY FOR HIS ALBUM "PORCUPINE MEAT" AT THE 59TH GRAMMY AWARDS.
WHEREAS, on Sunday, February 12, 2017, Bobby Rush was awarded the first golden gramophone of his career at the 59th Grammy Awards for his album "Porcupine Meat" in the traditional blues category; and
WHEREAS, the 83 year old musician's musical career began around 1951, several years before the first Grammy Awards ceremony was held; and
WHEREAS, after recording more than 370 songs during his 66-year career, Rush beat out fellow Mississippians Luther Dickinson and Vasti Jackson to win the category; and
WHEREAS, having been nominated for a Grammy on three prior occasions, Rush's first win could not have come on a better night, the same night that other Mississippians, Charley Pride and Jimmie Rodgers were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards; and
WHEREAS, "Porcupine Meat" was released on Rounder Records in September and features Vasti Jackson, Dave Alvin, Joe Bonamassa and Keb' Mo', among others; and
WHEREAS, in addition to winning this Grammy, Rush was also recognized for his illustrious career when he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016; and
WHEREAS, after getting his start in Chicago with his neighbor Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Etta James and Howlin' Wolf, Rush moved to Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 80s, where he would produce numerous records that are still an integral part of his live repertoire; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the outstanding talented musicians that call our state home, such as Bobby Rush, whose music and achievements brings great pride to the State of Mississippi:
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 Bobby Rush upon his very much deserved Grammy Award for "Porcupine Meat," and sincerely hope there is much more music to come from our beloved bluesman.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bobby Rush and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.