Bill Text: MS SC680 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Mississippi Senate Concurrent Resolution 680 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Recognize 25th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion hosted by Mississippi's Charlie Waller of Waynesboro.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)

Status: (Passed) 2012-05-08 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC680 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2012-SC680-Enrolled.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2012 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Fillingane, Browning, Butler (38th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 680

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRAND OLE GOSPEL REUNION HOSTED BY MISSISSIPPI NATIVE CHARLIE WALLER AND THE FLORIDA BOYS.

WHEREAS, the 25th Annual Grand Ole Gospel Reunion will be held August 9 through August 11, 2012, in Greenville, South Carolina, and is hosted by Waynesboro, Mississippi's Charlie Waller and The Florida Boys, and also the Dove Brothers, Chuck Wagon Gang, Dixie Melody Boys, Diplomats, Melody Boys Quartet, Dixie Echoes, Les Beasley, Anchormen, Glen Allred, Derrell Stewart and more; and

WHEREAS, born in the small rural Town of Waynesboro, Mississippi, Charlie Waller grew up in the rural community of Clara in Wayne County listening to gospel music. Being one of the more colorful people in gospel music, Charlie wears many hats. He is best known in the industry as a concert promoter and producer. Charlie was the first to do a "Reunion" style video and is credited as Bill Gaither's direct inspiration for his homecoming videos. The late Glen Payne stated, "Charlie's Grand Ole Gospel Reunion brought many legends back on the scene and gave them a medium where people could enjoy them again"; and

WHEREAS, Charlie formed the Southern Gospel Music Association of Georgia in 1980. This organization eventually became what is known today as the Southern Gospel Music Guild. He is the owner of a very large, private collection of Southern Gospel memorabilia, which he has been collecting since age 14. In 2007, the mantle of The Florida Boys was passed to Charlie. Charlie is currently singing lead, with Chip Cooper, Eddie Broome and Paul Hyde; and

WHEREAS, his contributions to the Southern Gospel Music Association and Hall of Fame have proven beneficial in honoring the heritage of Gospel Music. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 and is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Southern Gospel Music Association; and

WHEREAS, Charlie Waller is very interested in his native state, and The Florida Boys perform in many venues in Mississippi, and it is with great pride that we honor this native Mississippian who has taken his rightful place in the royalty of Southern Gospel Music and who serves as an unofficial Ambassador for the State of Mississippi and the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion organization on this auspicious occasion:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and salute the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Group on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Charlie Waller and his family, forwarded to members of The Florida Boys, the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.