Bill Text: MS HR76 | 2022 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Sam Cooke; commend induction into the 2022 Class of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-18 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR76 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2022-HR76-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Paden
House Resolution 76
(As Adopted by House)
WHEREAS, given the rich history of successes of the great Magnolia State's native sons and daughters, who have become shining ambassadors of the state's wealth of artistic, musical, literary and silver-screen talents, very little mystery remains to the validity that Mississippi is a place where legends are born and dreams become reality; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, the Mississippi Legislature, by virtue of Senate Bill No. 2666, provided for the creation of an educational, entertaining and interactive facility in Meridian, which materialized in the establishment of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX), which tells the stories of all of Mississippi's arts and entertainment icons; and
WHEREAS, in homage to the enduring impact of the state's creative legacy, The MAX initiated the Mississippi Hall of Fame in January 2017, with an inaugural class of 18 inductees, and in keeping with the tradition of honoring the influential men and women who trace their roots to Mississippi and represent the best of Mississippi's artistic talents, The MAX has deemed it fitting to induct Mr. Sam Cooke, Clarksdale native and blues legend, into the 2022 Class of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, the son of a minister, steeped in gospel music traditions, Mr. Cooke needs no formal introduction, as the melodic crooners name is undeniably synonymous with his most famous tunes, including hits like "You Send Me," "Wonderful World," "Chain Gang," or the Civil Rights-era anthem, "A Change is Gonna Come"; and
WHEREAS, having grown up in Chicago, Mr. Cooke became an iconic figure in the soul and pop music world, captivating African-American and Caucasian audiences alike with his tenor voice that "oozes a liquid, golden sweetness that caresses the inner ear, and his effortless style, smooth delivery, and endless, unfathomable elegance," as described by New York Festival of Song at Juliard's cast member, Samuel Levine; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooke, called the "Inventor of Soul Music," was an astute businessman, who founded a record label and a publishing company, groundbreaking feats for an African-American artist at that time, and who died on December 11, 1964, was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame in 1986; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the diverse mix of creative legends from across the State of Mississippi of Mr. Sam Cooke's intrinsic talent, and whose contributions to the entertainment industry bestow great pride and esteem upon all Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby acknowledge and honor the impeccable artistry, craftsmanship, talent and impactful contributions to the entertainment industry of Mr. Sam Cooke, upon his induction into the 2022 Class of Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame on December 15, 2022.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to The MAX and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
