IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 900 

Expressing support for designation of April as ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage 

Month’’ and honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

DECEMBER 19, 2007 

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas (for herself, Mrs. BONO, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. 

BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, 

Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. ROSS, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. 

THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. TOWNS, Ms. 

VELA ́ZQUEZ, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, and Mr. HOYER) 

submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 

on Oversight and Government Reform 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for designation of April as ‘‘Gospel Music 

Heritage Month’’ and honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. 

Whereas gospel music is a unique and beloved American art 

form, spanning decades, generations, and races; 

Whereas gospel music is one of the cornerstones of the entire 

American musical tradition and has grown beyond its 

roots to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance; 

Whereas gospel music has spread beyond its geographic origins to touch audiences around the world; 


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Whereas the history of what is today known as ‘‘gospel 

music’’ is traced back to multiple and diverse influences 

and foundations, including African-American spirituals 

that blended diverse elements from African music, melodic influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and ultimately borrowed from other uniquely American musical 

styles including ragtime, jazz, and blues; 

Whereas that tradition of diversity remains today, as the influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms 

of secular music, from rock & roll, country, soul, R&B, 

and countless other styles; 

Whereas the legacy of gospel music includes some of the most 

memorable voices and pioneers in American history, such 

as Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, 

Roberta Martin, Virgil Stamp, Diana Washington, Stamp 

Quartet, The Highway QCs, The Statesmen, The Soul 

Stirrers, Terry Woods, James Cleveland, and Billy Ray 

Hearns; 

Whereas many of the biggest names in music came out of the 

gospel music tradition or have recorded gospel music including Sam Cooke, Al Green, Elvis Presley, Marvin 

Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, 

Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, 

Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis; 

Whereas regardless of the musical style, these artists and so 

many more have turned to gospel music as the source 

and inspiration for their music that has blurred the 

boundries between secular and gospel music; 

Whereas beyond its contribution to the American musical tradition, gospel music has provided a cultural and musical 

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vision series to major Hollywood motion pictures, including American Idol, Heroes, Dancing With The Stars, O 

Brother, Where Art Thou?, Sister Act, The Preacher’s 

Wife, Evan Almighty and more; 

Whereas gospel music has a huge audience around the country and around the world, a testament to the universal 

appeal of a historical American art form that both inspires and entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and 

geographic boundaries; and 

Whereas April would be an appropriate month for the establishment of a ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’ to celebrate the valuable contributions of gospel music: Now, 

therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports 

2 the designation of a ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’ to 

3 recognize the great contributions to American culture that 

4 have derived from the rich heritage of gospel music and 

5 its artists. 

Æ 


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