MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR JIMMY DAMON
WHEREAS, God, in His infinite wisdom and judgment, has called Jimmy Damon, a gifted singer, husband, loving father and friend to all to his eternal reward; and
WHEREAS, Born as James Demopolos in Memphis, Tennessee where his father Nick ran a 24 hour restaurant, Jimmy decided to change his last name to Damon in 1968, but prior to that, he started his long career at the age of 16, co-hosting a regional TV show and dance party called "The Big Beat". By 1957, he had his own fan club. While in Memphis, he met and performed with many of that city's notable musicians of the time such as Elvis Presley and Conway Twitty; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, Jimmy Damon left Memphis for Chicago where his style changed from cowboy boots, leather pants and open chested shirts to his iconic black tuxedo, although he still kept the cowboy boots to remind him of his Memphis roots; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy Damon's passion for singing exceeded all expectations^ making him one of Chicago's preeminent baritone voices for nearly four decades. No venue was too large or too small. He performed throughout this city at nightclubs, lounges, concert halls, charity events, civic gatherings, awards dinners, and retirement homes as well as state fairs and on cruise ships. Jimmy met his wife Marilyn while singing at a bowling alley in Chicago and, to this blessed union, two children were born, Dana Damon-Trentadue and Alexa Damon-Soegaard; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy Damon was the quintessential cabaret performer who kept the '"Rat Pack" era alive and still vibrant long after most ofthe principals of that legendary group had passed; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Bob Fioretti, Alderman ofthe 2nd Ward, has informed this august body of the passing of this noteworthy entertainer and remarkable Chicago treasure; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago gathered here this 8th Day of May, 2013 AD, do hereby express our deepest sor...
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