Record #: R2016-31   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 1/13/2016 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 1/13/2016
Title: Tribute to late Otis Clay
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2016-31.pdf

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, Otis Clay has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 73; and

 

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

 

WHEREAS, Otis Clay was a Chicago music legend whose dynamic and versatile style spanned gospel, soul and rhythm and blues; and

 

WHEREAS, A native of Waxhaw, Mississippi, Otis Clay came to Chicago as a teenager in the mid-1950s to live with his aunt and uncle; and

 

WHEREAS, Otis Clay immersed himself in the local blues and gospel scene where he was inspired by the music of Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, the Soul Stirrers and the Caravans; and

 

WHEREAS, By the age of 15 Otis Clay began signing with the Golden Jubilaires and by 1960 was touring with Charles Bridges' Famous Blue Jay Singers; and

 

WHEREAS, Otis Clay began recording in the 1960s and over the course of his singing career produced hits including That's How It Is (When You're in Love), Trying to Live My Life Without You and When the Gates Swing Open; and

 

WHEREAS, In 2013 Otis Clay was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame; and

 

WHEREAS, A man committed to excellence who maintained a high level of integrity, Otis Clay gave of himself fully to his family and was a loyal friend to many; and

 

 

WHEREAS, The immense talent and dedication of Otis Clay serve as an example to all; and

 

WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Otis Clay to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and

 

WHEREAS, Otis Clay was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and

 

WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Otis Clay imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore

 

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirteenth day of January, 2016, do hereby commemorate Otis Clay for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and

Alderman - 14th Ward

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Qtis Clay.