Bill Text: NY J02389 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commending Johnny Farina upon the occasion of his designation as the 2024 Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 41-21)

Status: (Passed) 2024-05-14 - ADOPTED [J02389 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J02389-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 2389

BY: Senator BORRELLO

        HONORING  Johnny Farina upon the occasion of being
        named Italian American of the Year,  in  conjunction
        with Italian American Day on May 20, 2024

  WHEREAS,  From  time  to  time  this  Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals  it  wishes  to  recognize  for  their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Johnny Farina upon the occasion of being named Italian American  of  the
Year,  in conjunction with Italian American Day on Monday, May 20, 2024;
and

  WHEREAS, Part of the rock band Santo &  Johnny,  Johnny  Farina  has
been  touring  Europe, the United States, Mexico, and Australia for over
50 years; the duo has recorded and released 35 albums and 50 singles  in
their career; and

  WHEREAS, Covered by more than 200 artists and featured in movies, TV
programs  and  series,  and  commercials,  Santo  & Johnny earned a Gold
Record for their song "Sleep Walk" in 1959;  the  composition  has  been
recently  credited  with  over four million BMI certified airplays since
its release; "Sleep Walk" was recognized again in  1999  with  a  Grammy
Award  for  the  Best Pop Instrumental Performance, as recorded the year
before by The Brian Setzer Orchestra; and

  WHEREAS, Seeing great success, Santo &  Johnny  had  a  TV  show  in
Italy;  they  were also inducted into the Italian Music Hall of Fame for
their instrumental version of "The Godfather Theme," which  remained  at
the top of the Italian music charts for 26 weeks in 1973 and also earned
a Gold Record; and

  WHEREAS, In 2002, Santo & Johnny were inducted into the Steel Guitar
Hall  of  Fame  in St. Louis, to recognize their outstanding work on the
unique instrument over the years; and

  WHEREAS, Johnny Farina has been recognized for his work  as  a  solo
artist by publications such as The Daily News; and

  WHEREAS,  As  a testament to his artistic ability, Johnny Farina was
awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 for his  work  on  "Sleep
Walk"  and to acknowledge the song's repeated use in full length feature
films at the Long Island Film Festival; and

  WHEREAS, It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that  when
individuals  of  such  noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the  citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Johnny Farina upon the occasion of being named Italian American of
the Year, in conjunction with Italian American Day on May 20, 2024;  and
be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Johnny Farina.