Expressing support for designation of September 2019 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month" and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States.

IA 116TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. J. RES. 3 Expressing support for designation of September 2019 as ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’ and honoring gospel music for its valuable and long- standing contributions to the culture of the United States. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JANUARY 3, 2019 Ms. JACKSON LEE submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform JOINT RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of September 2019 as ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’ and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States. Whereas gospel music is a beloved art form unique to the United States, spanning decades, generations, and races; Whereas gospel music is one of the cornerstones of the musi- cal tradition of the United States and has grown beyond its roots to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance; Whereas gospel music has spread beyond its geographic ori- gins to touch audiences around the world; Whereas the history of gospel music can be traced to multiple and diverse influences and foundations, including Afri- can-American spirituals that blended diverse elements VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:15 Jan 05, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HJ3.IH HJ3 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS 2 •HJ 3 IH from African music and melodic influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and gospel music ultimately bor- rowed from uniquely American musical styles, including ragtime, jazz, and blues; Whereas that tradition of diversity remains today, as the in- fluence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms of secular music, including rock and roll, country, soul, rhythm and blues, and countless other styles; Whereas the legacy of gospel music includes some of the most memorable voices and musical pioneers in the history of the United States, such as Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, Virgil Stamps, Diana Washington, Stamps Quartet, The High- way QCs, The Statesmen, The Soul Stirrers, Point of Grace, Smokie Norful, Terry Woods, James Cleveland, Billy Ray Hearns, Rex Humbard, Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, V. Michael McKay, Theola Booker, Yolanda Adams, Edwin and Walter Haw- kins, Sandi Patty, The Winans, Kathy Taylor, Mavis Staples and the Staple Singers, and Brenda Waters, Carl Preacher, Shirley Joiner of B, C & S; Whereas many of the biggest names in music emerged from the gospel music tradition or have recorded gospel music, including Sam Cooke, Al Green, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis; Whereas, regardless of their musical styles, those artists and so many more have turned to gospel music as the source and inspiration for their music, which has blurred the boundaries between secular and gospel music; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:15 Jan 05, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HJ3.IH HJ3 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS 3 •HJ 3 IH Whereas, beyond its contribution to the musical tradition of the United States, gospel music has provided a cultural and musical backdrop across all of mainstream media, from hit television series to major Hollywood motion pic- tures, including ‘‘American Idol’’, ‘‘Heroes’’, ‘‘Dancing with the Stars’’, ‘‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’’, ‘‘Sister Act’’, ‘‘The Preacher’s Wife’’, ‘‘Evan Almighty’’, and more; Whereas gospel music has a huge audience around the coun- try and around the world, a testament to the universal appeal of a historical American art form that both in- spires and entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and geographic boundaries; and Whereas September 2019 would be an appropriate month to designate as ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives 1 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 2 That Congress supports the designation of ‘‘Gospel Music 3 Heritage Month’’, which would recognize the contributions 4 to the culture of the United States derived from the rich 5 heritage of gospel music and gospel music artists. 6 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:15 Jan 05, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HJ3.IH HJ3 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42 with BILLS