[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 154 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         June 18, 2007.
Whereas the origins of southern soul may be traced back to Memphis, Tennessee;
Whereas soul music integrates elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues;
Whereas soul music became a new genre of American music in the 1950's with Stax 
        Records paving the way for soul recordings;
Whereas Stax Records of Memphis, Tennessee is an icon of the American recording 
        industry;
Whereas Stax Records produced some of the earliest recordings by such soul music 
        legends as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Wilson 
        Pickett, Luther Ingram, Albert King, the Bar-Kays, Booker T. and the 
        M.G.'s, Johnnie Taylor, The Mar-Keys, Sam & Dave, B.B. King, Rufus and 
        Carla Thomas, and many other artists whose work continues to exert a 
        profound influence on popular music today;
Whereas Stax Records also produced important recordings by, among others, the 
        Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bill Cosby, and Richard Pryor;
Whereas Memphis, Tennessee, over 5 decades as the epicenter of all genres of 
        soul music, earned the moniker ``Soulsville, USA'';
Whereas the Royal Studio for the Hi Records label served as the birthplace of 
        trailblazing soul artists Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Maurice White 
        of Earth, Wind, and Fire who also added to the depth of soul Memphis 
        produced for the international music community;
Whereas in 2007 the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Concord Music Group/
        Stax Records, and the Soulsville Foundation will celebrate American soul 
        music and the 50th anniversary of the founding of Stax Records through 
        their ``50 Years of Soul'' celebration; and
Whereas the influence of soul music permeates some modern music art forms, 
        including Contemporary R & B, and deepens American music history and the 
        Nation's cultural life: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the 50th anniversary of the founding of Stax Records 
        and its role in launching the careers of many legendary soul music 
        artists;
            (2) recognizes the important role Memphis, Tennessee played in 
        immortalizing soul music; and
            (3) recognizes the continuing contributions and influence of soul 
        music to America's music history and cultural life.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.