[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 13 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 13

   Recognizing the importance of blues music, and for other purposes.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 27, 2003

   Mr. Ford submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
        referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
   Recognizing the importance of blues music, and for other purposes.

Whereas blues music is the most influential form of music indigenous to the 
        United States, providing the roots for contemporary music heard around 
        the world such as rock and roll, jazz, rhythm and blues, and country, 
        and even influencing classical music;
Whereas the blues is a national historic treasure, which needs to be preserved 
        and studied for the benefit of future generations;
Whereas blues music documents twentieth-century United States history, 
        especially during the Great Depression and in the areas of race 
        relations and pop culture;
Whereas the various forms of blues music trace the transformation of the United 
        States from a rural, agricultural society to an urban, industrialized 
        country;
Whereas the blues is an important facet of African-American culture in the 
        twentieth century;
Whereas every year, people in the United States hold hundreds of blues 
        festivals, and millions of new or reissued blues albums are released;
Whereas blues musicians from the United States, whether old or new, male or 
        female, are recognized and revered worldwide as unique and important 
        ambassadors of the United States and its music;
Whereas it is important to educate the young people of the United States so that 
        they understand that the music they listen to today has its roots and 
        traditions in the blues;
Whereas there are many living legends of blues music in the United States who 
        should be recognized and have their stories captured and preserved for 
        future generations; and
Whereas the year 2003 would be an appropriate time to recognize the importance 
        of blues music since it is the centennial anniversary of when W.C. Handy 
        composed the first blues music to be released throughout the United 
        States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) recognizes the importance of blues music with respect 
        to many cultural developments in United States history;
            (2) calls on the people of the United States to take the 
        opportunity to study, reflect on, and celebrate the importance 
        of the blues; and
            (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling on the people of the United States and interested 
        organizations to observe the importance of the blues with 
        appropriate ceremonies, activities, and educational programs.
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