[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 13 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 13
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 23 (legislative day, June 22), 2004
Received and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
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; and
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: 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.
Passed the House of Representatives June 22, 2004.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk.