A Resolution Recognizing the 100 Birthday of Chicago Bluesman
Willie Dixon
WHEREAS, Willie Dixon's legacy as the architect and poet laureate of Chicago Blues from the 1950s until his passing in 1992 has brought national and international acclaim to the City of Chicago from music fans and historians of all music genres and of all races, ethnicities and nationalities; and
WHEREAS, His artistry as the preeminent and most prolific Blues composer of the post-World War II era, as well as an incredibly talented music producer, arranger, bandleader, bassist, singer and tireless communicator of the Blues has resulted in his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Willie Dixon's influence on the Blues world and in the progression of Rock 'n' Roll, impacting groups such as The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and Led Zeppelin, and artists such as Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, George Thorogood and many many others, is without equal and cannot be overstated; and
WHEREAS, He served as a musical inspiration, motivator, tutor, and mentor to Blues and Rock 'n' Roll musicians of both sexes and of all ages; and
WHEREAS, Willie Dixon was the conscientious and compassionate thought leader of the Blues as "the true facts of life expressed in words and song, inspiration, feeling, and understanding;" and
WHEREAS, Through his music and actions worked as a messenger for peace, civil rights, human dignity, and understanding among all peoples; and
WHEREAS, As founder of Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, Willie Dixon created the non-profit service organization, whose mission is to educate musicians, adults and children about the history of the Blues and the business of music, to further the careers of musicians, and enhance their lives; and
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the City Council members of the City of Chicago hereby assembled on this the 17th day of June, 2015, A.D., do hereby recognize the ...
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