hr964.html
05 LC 98 1019
House Resolution 964
By: Representatives Thomas of the 55th, Murphy of the 120th, Williams of the 165th, Holmes of the 61st, Sinkfield of the 60th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Remembering and honoring the life of Edward Patten, Sr.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Edward Patten, Sr., was born on August 27, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, to loving parents Thomas Shelby and Wilhelmina Maxwell Patten and grew up attending English Avenue Elementary School, participating in the Boy Scouts, and graduating from Booker T. Washington High School; and

WHEREAS, his father was a gifted pianist, and music played an important role early in his life as he was christened and sang in the youth choir at Central United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, it was there, singing an Easter solo, that his mother first realized the special talent that would later rocket his career to the top of the Motown music scene in Detroit as a member of Gladys Knight and the Pips; and

WHEREAS, with hits such as Midnight Train to Georgia and Love Overboard, the group of Georgia natives became one of America's greatest icons and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996; and

WHEREAS, he and his cousin and fellow Pip, William Guest, are the founders of Atlanta's Crew Records, a highly successful and valuable member of the city's music industry; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his stellar achievements in the music industry, Mr. Patten was a devoted husband to his wife, Renee Brown, and a wonderful father to his children, Stephanie, Steve, Sonya, Edward II, and Elliot; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting that the legendary life of Edward Patten and his many contributions to the world of modern day music be appropriately recognized and celebrated in this, his native state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body join to express their deepest regret at the passing of Edward Patten, Sr., and extend their most sincere condolences to his family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of Edward Patten, Sr.