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 con-
tributions 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 valu-
able 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 ori-
gins 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, me-
lodic influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and ul-
timately borrowed from other uniquely American musical 
styles including ragtime, jazz, and blues; 
Whereas that tradition of diversity remains today, as the in-
fluence 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 in-
cluding 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 tra-
dition, gospel music has provided a cultural and musical 
backdrop across all of mainstream media, from hit tele-
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vision series to major Hollywood motion pictures, includ-
ing 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 coun-
try and around the world, a testament to the universal 
appeal of a historical American art form that both in-
spires and entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and 
geographic boundaries; and 
Whereas April would be an appropriate month for the estab-
lishment of a ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’ to cele-
brate 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. 
Æ 
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