05 LC 98
0448
House
Resolution 407
By:
Representatives Murphy of the
120th,
Watson of the
91st,
Williams of the
165th,
Smyre of the
132nd,
Ehrhart of the
36th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Honoring
the life and legacy of Ray Charles and inviting Jamie Foxx, star of the movie
Ray,
to the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
on September 23, 1930, Ray Charles Robinson was born the first child of Aretha
and Baily Robinson in Albany, Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
he rose from the tragedies of poverty, blindness, and the deaths of his younger
brother and mother to become a musical phenomenon and a national treasure;
and
WHEREAS,
music played a fundamental role in his life from a very young age when a man by
the name of Wylie Pitman taught him his first melodies on the piano;
and
WHEREAS,
the originality and genius of his music defies categorization and earned him 12
Grammy Awards; and he has been inducted into the Halls of Fame for his
contributions to rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and roll and is credited with
helping to popularize country and western music; and
WHEREAS,
he was a generous supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and an outspoken
advocate for the State of Israel, earning him recognition as the Beverly Hills
Lodge of B'nai Brith's "Man of the Year" in 1976; and
WHEREAS,
in 1979, Ray Charles's classic rendition of "Georgia On My Mind" was declared
the official song of the State of Georgia, and he appeared on the floor of the
State Capitol to sing its first performance as such; and
WHEREAS,
the story of Ray Charles is uniquely American and expresses those qualities and
dreams held most dear to our nation; and
WHEREAS,
the month of February is set aside as a time to reflect upon and celebrate the
leading figures in black history, and it is highly fitting and proper that this
body take this opportunity to thank Jamie Foxx and all those individuals
instrumental in creating the film
Ray
depicting the inspirational story of Ray Charles.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body join together to honor the life of Georgia's native son, the legendary
Ray Charles, and extend their sincere welcome and gratitude to Jamie Foxx, star
of the movie
Ray,
for his moving portrayal of this monumental man.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Jamie Foxx is invited to the House of Representatives
at a date and time to be fixed by the Speaker of the House for purposes of being
recognized by the House and receiving an appropriate copy of this resolution.