Record #: R2017-847   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 10/11/2017 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 10/11/2017
Title: Tribute to late Morris Ellis, Sr.
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2017-847.pdf

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 faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eleventh day of October, 2017, do hereby commemorate Morris Ellis Sr. for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Morris Ellis Sr.

Alderman - 14th Ward