By Dukes H.R. No. 577 74R9896 KMP-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On April 16, 1995, the residents of the Capital City 1-2 will have a rare opportunity to experience the talents of one of 1-3 the most acclaimed gospel singers in the country, Albertina Walker, 1-4 when she performs with the church choir of the St. James Baptist 1-5 Church at its 37th Annual Choir Anniversary; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Mrs. Walker, who recently received a 1995 Grammy 1-7 Award, embarked on her chosen career at an early age, deciding as a 1-8 young girl in Chicago that her mission would be to serve the Lord 1-9 by writing, arranging, and performing inspirational music; and 1-10 WHEREAS, During her initial years as a performer, this 1-11 remarkable woman performed with such gospel greats as Mahalia 1-12 Jackson and the Robert Anderson Singers, winning instant 1-13 recognition from both audiences and record executives for her 1-14 uplifting voice and spellbinding stage presence; she soon accepted 1-15 a recording contract that placed her in the company of Elyse Yancy, 1-16 Mellie Grace Daniels, and Oralee Hopkins Samson, the three women 1-17 with whom she created one of the first female gospel quartets in 1-18 music history; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Known as The Caravans, this extraordinary group 1-20 exploded onto the music scene, winning rave reviews for both the 1-21 style and musical power it brought to every performance, and was 1-22 widely acclaimed for expanding the boundaries of gospel performing 1-23 and recording; under the able leadership of Mrs. Walker, the 1-24 quartet also played an instrumental role in promoting the careers 2-1 of such renowned artists as Shirley Caesar, Cassietta George, Inez 2-2 Andrews, and the Reverend James Cleveland; and 2-3 WHEREAS, During the 1960s, this magnificent singer 2-4 temporarily bid adieu to the stage and studio when she married and 2-5 began to direct her energies toward creating a warm and nurturing 2-6 home for her family; Mrs. Walker's unique style and flair were 2-7 greatly missed on the gospel scene, but with the urging of Reverend 2-8 James Cleveland, she decided to return to music and reemerged from 2-9 retirement a more vibrant, polished, and refined performer than 2-10 ever before; and 2-11 WHEREAS, With an exceptional voice that has graced more than 2-12 60 albums, Mrs. Walker has recorded countless songs that are today 2-13 considered classics of gospel and inspirational music, including 2-14 "You Believed in Me," "The Best is Yet to Come," and "Please Be 2-15 Patient With Me"; her music can be heard in the Steve Martin movie 2-16 Leap of Faith, and her most recent project, a dazzling anthology of 2-17 gospel standards, features a tribute to the father of gospel music, 2-18 Thomas Dorsey, as well as performances by Dorothy Norwood, John 2-19 McNiel, Rickey Dillard, and New Generation; and 2-20 WHEREAS, Over the years Mrs. Walker has garnered 2-21 international acclaim from her peers and admirers, and her 1995 2-22 Grammy Award is only the latest in a long line of honors; a 2-23 three-time recipient of the Gospel Music Workshop of America 2-24 Excellence Award and a member of the Gospel Music Workshop Hall of 2-25 Fame, she has earned numerous Grammy Award nominations as well as a 2-26 listing in Who's Who in Black America; and 2-27 WHEREAS, This outstanding musician was also honored by her 3-1 hometown of Chicago, which designated April 14, 1986, to be 3-2 Albertina Walker Day in the Windy City; she has won the Push 3-3 International Woman of the Year Award and today lends her name to 3-4 an award that is given annually at the Vision Awards ceremony for 3-5 excellence in gospel music; and 3-6 WHEREAS, Mrs. Walker is a woman who has attained tremendous 3-7 personal, spiritual, and professional success as a performer and 3-8 recording artist, and it is indeed appropriate that her 3-9 accomplishments be given special recognition and support at this 3-10 time; now, therefore, be it 3-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 3-12 Legislature hereby commend Albertina Walker for her outstanding 3-13 contributions to American gospel music and extend to her warmest 3-14 best wishes for an enjoyable visit to the Lone Star State; and, be 3-15 it further 3-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-17 prepared for Mrs. Walker as an expression of highest regard by the 3-18 Texas House of Representatives.