A Resolution Commemorating the 71st Birthday of The Legendary Holle Thee Maxwell
WHEREAS, Holle Thee Maxwell is one of Chicago's legendary entertainers. Born on October 17th, she will celebrate her 71st birthday this year. For almost seven decades Holle has entertained audiences all over the world; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee sang her first song professionally at the age of 5, studied classical voice and piano at the age of 9, and graduated with degrees from both The Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University and The Julliard School in New York City. Her first classical performance was singing opera at the Lyric Opera House at 12 years old; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee sings soul, rock, jazz, country and blues, and can perform in English, French, German and Italian; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee recorded singles under the name "Holly Maxwell" in the 1960s and 1970s for the record labels Constellation, Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records, Smit-Whit, and Star. Her songs "Only When You're Lonely", "One Thin Dime", "Never Love Again", "Suffer", and "Philly Barracuda" were regional hits across the country; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee recorded with jazz great Jimmy Smith, and replaced Tina Turner in the Ike Turner's band. Holle worked with The Temptations, Johnny Taylor, The Spinners, The Dells, Fred Williamson, Captain and Tennille, Reynaldo Rey and many others. Sammy Davis Jr., Redd Foxx, Sydney Poitier, Isaac Hayes, KoKo Taylor, Archie More, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammed Ali, Slappy White, Lou Gossett Jr., King Curtis and others have all been fans of Holle Thee Maxwell. Curtis Mayfield wrote two songs for her, "Suffer" and "No One Else"; and
WHEREAS, In 1972 Holle Thee was the first singer to perform live with a full band on a jumbo 747 jetliner traveling from Chicago to Torremolinos, Spain singing for president Franco; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee performed at the Chicago Blues Festival in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. She also performed at her club in Paris, France, Thee Maxwell Cafe' from 1996 off and on until 2006. This is where she recorded her CD, 'Live at THEE Maxwell Cafe'; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee was a talk show host on Star Planet Television broadcasting once a week where she hosted Chicago's musical community and influencers. Her show included conversations and performances with Chicago icons, Otis Clay, Jay 'Mack' Jordan, Eddy 'The Chief Clearwater, Ruby Andrews, Marshall Thompson, Eddie Shaw and more; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee Maxwell has been recognized with distinguished awards including: The Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, The Chicago Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award and National Piano Playing Award; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee Maxwell and the Chicago Blues All-Stars have performed for SRO audiences at Motor Row Brewing Company. The concert received great media acclaim with the Chicago Blues Guide calling it, "one of the best and most unique concerts in Chicago"; and
WHEREAS, Holle Thee and the Chicago Blues All-Stars will headline the Frederikshavn Blues Festival on November 5th in Denmark. Her photos will be displayed in City Hall and there will be a media and music reception held in her honor; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this 1st day of November, 2016 A.D., do hereby celebrate the 71st birthday of the icon, the musical legend, 'Thee' original black blonde bombshell Holle Thee Maxwell.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Holle Thee Maxwell.
Pat Dowell Alderman, 3rd Ward