RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Morris Ellis Sr. has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of the Beverly community, Morris Ellis Sr. was the devoted husband of Linda and the late Barbara; and
WHEREAS, Morris Ellis Sr. was the much-adored father of Shari, Morris II and the late Nicole to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Morris Ellis Sr. learned trombone under the baton of the legendary Captain Walter Dyett while attending DuSable High School in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Morris Ellis Sr. earned a degree in psychology from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and founded his own band while in college which continued until his retirement in 2010; and
WHEREAS, During his career as a trombonist and band leader, Morris Ellis Sr. spent many years in recording studios backing a long list of famous stars; and
WHEREAS, Morris Ellis Sr. played with such artists as Tony Bennett, Count Basie, Natalie Cole,Curtis Mayfield, Sammy Davis Jr. Gladys Knight, Donny Hathaway, Stan Getz, Lou Rawls, Sarah Vaghan, Ramsey Lewis, Jerry Butler, the Chi-Lites, Peobo Bryson, Joe Williams and Vic Damone; and
WHEREAS, Morris Ellis Sr. and his orchestra played "Fanfare for the Common Man" at the inauguration of Mayor Harold Washington; and
WHEREAS, Morris Ellis Sr. worked in Chicago's Juvenile Court for twelve years and helped young residents of the Chicago Housing Authority produce local music shows; and
WHEREAS, The talent, sacrifice and dedication of Morris Ellis Sr. serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Morris Ellis Sr. 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, To his beloved family, Morris Ellis Sr. ,imparts a legacy of faithful...
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