SALUTE TO GOSPEL MUSIC LEGEND RICHARD GIBBS
WHEREAS, by anyone's standards, Richard Gibbs, an outstanding citizen and member of his community, is hailed as a Chicago gospel music legend; and
WHEREAS, as this genre's master keyboard artist and vocalist, as well as an architect, engineer and builder of its infrastructure, the lifetime achievements of Richard Gibbs span almost a half century. His 27 major recording credits to date began in 1974 as a backup vocalist and keyboard artist with the late Inez Andrews (his equally legendary mother) on her ABC Songbird Album ''More Church In The Home'\ His two latest CDs were by Sirens Records, released in 2019; accompanying Elsa Harris on "I Thank God with Richard Gibbs & Curtis Fondren" and Pastor Donald Gay on his "On A Glorious Day" recording; and
WHEREAS, most notable among Richard Gibbs achievements was as Aretha Franklin's pianist, accompanying her at the White House, on the "Tonight Show", and in numerous performances during his nearly two decades of service to the Queen of Soul. His credits as keyboard & backup vocalist include such other gospel luminaries as Mavis Staples, the Yancy Family, Albertina Walker, Jesse Dixon, the Thompson Community Singers, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp and Yolanda Adam; and
WHEREAS, Hon. Roderick T. Sawyer, Alderman of the 6th Ward, Hon. Stephanie D. Coleman, Alderman of the 16th Ward, Hon. David H. Moore, Alderman of the 17th Ward, and Hon. Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward, have apprised this august body of the lifetime achievements of this remarkable Chicago musician; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that we the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 19th Day of February 2020 AD, do hereby salute Richard Gibbs for his extraordinary artistry and commend the significant lifetime contributions he has made to Chicago gospel music.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented
to Richard Gibbs. /O * /...
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