Bill Text: VA SR151 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Jesse Lester McReynolds.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-08 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR151ER) [SR151 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SR151-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Jesse Lester McReynolds, a legendary mandolinist and bluegrass musician and beloved member of the communities of Coeburn and Gallatin, Tennessee, died on June 23, 2023; and
WHEREAS, born in Coeburn to a family with ties to the famed Bristol Sessions in 1927, which is often credited with sparking the modern country music movement, Jesse McReynolds' path as a musician was forged from a young age; and
WHEREAS, Jesse McReynolds partnered with his brother, Jim McReynolds, to form the iconic duo, Jim and Jesse, one of the most successful and influential groups in the history of bluegrass music; and
WHEREAS, beginning in the 1950s, Jesse McReynolds enjoyed a prolific recording career, both as Jim and Jesse and as Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys, that produced many classics of the bluegrass and country genres, including "Cotton Mill Man," "Diesel on My Tail," and "Are You Missing Me?"; and
WHEREAS, from 1952 to 1954, Jesse McReynolds served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War, during which time he often played for the entertainment of his fellow troops; and
WHEREAS, Jesse McReynolds' legacy within bluegrass music was cemented by the unique and innovative crosspicking technique he developed on the mandolin, which distinguished his music at the time and inspired future generations of musicians; and
WHEREAS, Jesse McReynolds had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1964, one of country music's most heralded achievements, and was notably the oldest standing Opry member at the time of his death; and
WHEREAS, Jesse McReynolds' impact on the history of American music was recognized through his induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1993 and his National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Jesse McReynolds' deep and abiding faith was evidenced by the many uplifting gospel songs he wrote and recorded over the years, including "Jesus is the Key to the Kingdom" and "Two Thousand Years Ago"; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years, Darlene, and his son Keith, Jesse McReynolds will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving second wife of 27 years, Joy; his children, Gwen, Michael, and Randy, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Jesse Lester McReynolds, a proud son of Coeburn whose musical career transformed bluegrass music and touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Jesse Lester McReynolds as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.
