III 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 414 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2006 Mr. Frist (for himself and Mr. Alexander) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Celebrating the musical and cultural heritage of country music and recognizing the “Country: A Celebration of America's Music” festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Whereas country music is an essential element of the musical and cultural heritage of the United States, and helps promote an understanding and appreciation of the cultural achievements of the Nation; Whereas country music is a medium with the power to entertain, connect, and communicate, and embodies the spirit and the lives of Americans with diverse backgrounds; Whereas the diversity of country music provides a valuable form of artistic expression and embraces musical traditions including folk, bluegrass, gospel, honky-tonk, and rock and roll; Whereas the popularity and notoriety of country music have had a unique effect on the commercial development of Nashville, Tennessee, commonly known as Music City, U.S.A.; Whereas the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Nashville, is dedicated to— (1)identifying and preserving the evolving history and traditions of country music; and (2)educating audiences throughout the world about that rich musical tradition; Whereas the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and other contributors to the Country: A Celebration of America's Music festival, should be commended for celebrating country music and engaging in a serious curatorial investigation into a form of artistic expression that is unique to the United States; Whereas the Country: A Celebration of America's Music festival will— (1)highlight accomplished singers, musicians, and songwriters of the country music genre; (2)celebrate the traditional roots and geographical reach of country music; (3)explore the regional and stylistic variations of country music; and (4)honor the creators, audiences, and values of country music; and Whereas additional efforts to recognize the role of folk-based and indigenous arts of the United States should be encouraged: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)celebrates the musical and cultural heritage of country music; (2)recognizes the Country: A Celebration of America's Music festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and (3)commends the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for promoting the artistry and legacy of country music.