LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating The Bells of Harmony upon the
occasion of its induction into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of
Fame on March 3, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
talented individuals within our midst, who have had a significant impact
on the arts and culture of our communities through their outstanding
musical entertainment; such individuals include the members of the band,
The Bells of Harmony; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late The Bells of Harmony upon the occasion of its induction into the
Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYS) Hall of Fame to be celebrated at a
Ceremony on Thursday, March 3, 2016, at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syra-
cuse, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYS) were first estab-
lished in 1993 to annually recognize and honor Syracuse's most prominent
musicians and music educators, aiming to bring these individuals to the
forefront of public attention; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Charles Cannon formed The Bells of Harmony in Syra-
cuse, New York; since then, they have produced a gripping and harmonious
gospel sound, along with an exciting live stage show which has wowed
audiences for five decades; and
WHEREAS, Today, founder Charles Cannon still runs his radio program,
the Charles Cannon Gospel House, which has been running every Friday
afternoon since 1976 on WSIV-AM; and
WHEREAS, The Bells of Harmony has been one of the most active bands in
Central New York; the group has performed at various venues and events
throughout the community including Community Back to School, Concerts in
the Park, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, the Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Liver-
pool Public Library, M & T Jazzfest, New York State Fair, Oswego Harbor-
fest, Redhouse, Sackets Harbor, Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse
University's Chancellor's Inauguration, and Syracuse University Newhouse
School Dedication, as well as Utica's Live Monday Nite; and
WHEREAS, Throughout The Bells of Harmony's long and distinguished
career, it has performed many popular songs, and is best known for the
single, "The Lord Will Make a Way," which is a local favorite; and
WHEREAS, In its 50 years of existence, The Bells of Harmony has
received countless awards and recognitions, including the Alpha & Omega
Awards, CNY Urban Music Award as Best Gospel Group, National Council of
Negro Women Community Service Award, and the 1994 Best Inspirational Act
by the Syracuse Area Music Awards; and
WHEREAS, The Bells of Harmony has also shared the stage with several
Grammy Award winners such as Shirley Caesar, The Canton Spirituals, The
Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Soul Stirrers, and The William Brothers; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the talented members of The Bells of Harmony are
Charles Cannon, who sings and writes songs; Howard Wright, who plays
bass guitar and sings; Dwayne Cannon and Floyd Hodges, vocalists; John
Carter and Glen McArthur, guitarists; Shaquan Kirby, drummer; and sound
technician, Keith Cannon, as well as Manager, Kelvin A. Cannon; and
WHEREAS, With deep appreciation, this Legislative Body is pleased to
have this opportunity to recognize the spellbinding talents of The Bells
of Harmony, and to wish them continuing success in all their future
endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate The Bells of Harmony upon the occasion of its induction

into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame on March 3, 2016; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Bells of Harmony.