LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring legendary composer David Amram upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
legendary composer David Amram upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition; and
WHEREAS, David Amram has composed more than 100 orchestral and chamber
music works, written many scores for Broadway theater and film, includ-
ing the classic scores for the films "Splendor in The Grass" and "The
Manchurian Candidate"; two operas, including the groundbreaking Holo-
caust opera, "The Final Ingredient"; and the score for the landmark 1959
documentary "Pull My Daisy"; and
WHEREAS, David Amram is also the author of three books, VIBRATIONS, an
autobiography, OFFBEAT: COLLABORATING WITH KEROUAC, a memoir, and
UPBEAT: NINE LIVES OF A MUSICAL CAT; a pioneer player of jazz French
horn, David Amram is also a virtuoso on piano, numerous flutes and whis-
tles, percussion, and dozens of folkloric instruments from 25 countries,
as well as an inventive, funny improvisational lyricist; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Amram has collaborated with famous greats such as Leonard
Bernstein, Dizzy Gillespie, Langston Hughes, Dustin Hoffman, Willie
Nelson, Thelonious Monk, Odetta, Elia Kazan, Arthur Miller, Charles
Mingus, Lionel Hampton, Johnny Depp and Tito Puente; and
WHEREAS, Hailed as a "National Treasure" by Frank McCourt and as the
Renaissance Man of American Music, at 80 years of age, David Amram
remains one of the wonders of the world of music; his achievements as a
composer, conductor, virtuoso performer and multi-instrumentalist, jazz
artist, international musicologist, historian and writer deserve the
highest commendation and will be recognized at the celebration of his
80th birthday on November 11, 2010, at Symphony Space; and
WHEREAS, For 29 years, serving as conductor and narrator of free
school/time, family, community and parks concerts with the Brooklyn
Philharmonic, David Amram has brought together the worlds of European
classical composers with contemporary master musicians in the worlds of
jazz, Latin, Native American, Middle Eastern and global music; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, David Amram's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor legendary composer David Amram upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to David Amram.