A house RESOLUTION

TO WELCOME FAMED GOSPEL MUSICIAN HEZEKIAH WALKER TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO WISH HIM WELL DURING HIS VISIT TO THE PALMETTO STATE AS HE PERFORMS IN THE LEGENDS CONCERT ON FEBRUARY 23, 2024, AT COLUMBIA'S KOGER CENTER.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Hezekiah Walker, a distinguished gospel musician, will perform in the Legends concert on February 23, 2024, at Columbia's Koger Center. The concert is sponsored by the Auntie Karen Foundation of Columbia; and

Whereas, a prominent figure in gospel music, Hezekiah Walker boasts an impressive career highlighted by eleven Grammy nominations and two Grammy wins. Known affectionately as "the Hip-Hop Pastor," Walker's influence extends beyond gospel circles, with high-profile secular hip-hop recording artists, such as Lil' Kim and Sean "Diddy" Combs, counted among attendees at his church; and

Whereas, one of Walker's standout hit songs is "Every Praise," which resonates deeply with audiences. In 2001, Hezekiah and the LFT Church Choir received a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Best Gospel Artist, Traditional, based on the strength of their album Love Is Live!; and

Whereas, Walker's musical journey includes Grammy wins for Best Gospel Album by Choir or Chorus. He secured this prestigious award twice: first for Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College in 1994 with the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, and later for Love Is Live! in 2001 with the LFT Church Choir; and

Whereas, apart from the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, Walker's LFT Church Choir independently released two albums, Recorded Live at Love Fellowship Tabernacle in 1998 and Love Is Live! in 2001. The latter group, known for its youthful and hip-hop-oriented approach, achieved significant success, reaching the Top 5 of Billboard's Gospel Chart and earning a Grammy Award nomination in the same year; and

Whereas, Hezekiah Walker's impact on gospel music transcends traditional boundaries, merging contemporary sounds with gospel messages. His ability to reach diverse audiences and adapt to changing musical landscapes has solidified his place as a trailblazer in the gospel music industry. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, welcome famed gospel musician Hezekiah Walker to South Carolina and wish him well during his visit to the Palmetto State as he performs in the Legends concert on February 23, 2024, at Columbia's Koger Center.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Hezekiah Walker.

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