Bill Summary
This legislation is a joint resolution expressing support for the designation of September 2019 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month" in the United States. It recognizes the significant and longstanding contributions of gospel music to American culture and pays tribute to the artists who have played a role in its development and popularity. The resolution also highlights the diverse influences and foundations of gospel music, as well as its impact on other genres of music. It acknowledges the widespread appeal of gospel music and its presence in various forms of media. Overall, this legislation aims to honor and celebrate the history and cultural significance of gospel music in the United States.
Possible Impacts
1. The designation of September as "Gospel Music Heritage Month" could bring awareness and appreciation for the genre to individuals who may not have been familiar with it before.
2. The resolution could lead to increased recognition and opportunities for gospel music artists, providing a boost to their careers and financial stability.
3. The celebration of gospel music as an American art form could promote unity and cultural understanding among diverse communities.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 3 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
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
longstanding 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 musical 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 origins to touch audiences
around the world;
Whereas the history of gospel music can be traced to multiple and diverse
influences and foundations, including African-American spirituals that
blended diverse elements from African music and melodic influences from
Irish folk songs and hymns, and gospel music ultimately borrowed from
uniquely American musical styles, including ragtime, jazz, and blues;
Whereas that tradition of diversity remains today, as the influence 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 Highway 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 Hawkins, 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;
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
pictures, 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 country and around the
world, a testament to the universal appeal of a historical American art
form that both inspires 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 of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress supports the
designation of ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'', which would recognize
the contributions to the culture of the United States derived from the
rich heritage of gospel music and gospel music artists.
<all>