LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring McArtha Lewis upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition

WHEREAS, The history, the heritage, and the lives of the people of all
countries and all cultures are portrayed in their music and dance; the
art and act of sharing them enriches us altogether; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
McArtha Lewis upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion, to be celebrated on Saturday, May 21, 2011, in Brooklyn, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Singing since the age of 15, McArtha Lewis was born on the
small island of Tobago in the twin-island of the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago; for over 50 years, she has been the reigning queen of calyp-
so in a world where men have dominated the music; and
WHEREAS, McArtha Lewis' songs have been translated into eight
languages and in 1978, she became the first woman to win Trinidad and
Tobago's calypso monarch title and the road march that is the most popu-
lar song played on the road during the carnival season; and
WHEREAS, McArtha Lewis has shared the music stage with some of the
biggest international stars like Miriam Makeba, Tito Puente, Mahalia
Jackson, Michael Jackson, Roberta Flack, and Bob Marley along with many
others; her music catalogue goes from social and political commentary,
to party music, inspirational hymns and gospel music; and
WHEREAS, McArtha Lewis has performed to sold out concerts in the
United States, Europe, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Austra-
lia, New Zealand and Africa; through her strong and charismatic person-
ality, she continues to thrill audiences worldwide with quiet grace and
integrity; she is affectionately known as the true first lady of calyp-
so; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor McArtha Lewis upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to McArtha Lewis.