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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 900 Introduced in House (IH)]

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. Velazquez, 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;
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 backdrop across all of mainstream 
        media, from hit television 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
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the 
designation of a ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' to recognize the great 
contributions to American culture that have derived from the rich 
heritage of gospel music and its artists.
                                 <all>
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