LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 2010 as Jazz Appreciation Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
within our midst who have contributed to the quality of life and the
cultural heritage of New York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2010 as Jazz Appreciation Month in
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, "Jazz," the classic music of America, has had an enduring
influence not only on our State and Nation, but also upon the world; and
WHEREAS, The month of April acknowledges the creativity and talent of
jazz musicians and composers, reminding us of the diverse and rich
contributions to this uniquely American art form; in the words of the
legendary jazz drummer Art Blakey, "No America, no jazz."; and
WHEREAS, Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) will be celebrated in many
venues throughout New York State during the month of April; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been honored to be the birthplace and home
of countless jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke
Ellington, George and Ira Gershwin, among so many others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body calls upon its members and fellow New
Yorkers to observe jazz Appreciation Month by listening to jazz in
clubs, on the air and participating in various jazz celebrations
throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, New York State's famous jazz musicians have inspired and
entertained countless players, singers, dancers and listeners with such
styles as Dixieland, swing, bebop, Latin jazz fusions, free jazz, jazz
fusion, funk and hip-hop; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2010 as Jazz
Appreciation Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Jazz Foun-
dation of New York, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the New York Blues and
Jazz Society.