HR1381 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1381 LRB096 23331 GRL 42688 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the members of the internationally-known rhythm & blues group, the Impressions, on the occasion of the group's 53rd anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The Impressions were discovered by the talented and award winning music artist Eddie Thomas; the group was originally named the Roosters until 1957, when Eddie Thomas convinced them to change their name to the Impressions; when the group was discovered by Eddie Thomas, the Impressions were composed of Jerry Butler, now a Cook County Board Commissioner, Sam Gooden, Curtis Mayfield, Arthur Brooks, and Richard Brooks, all of whom are natives of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, In 1958, the Impressions began their ascent in the music industry, entering the charts with hit after hit, including "Gypsy Woman", "It's All Right", "Keep on Pushing", and "People Get Ready"; the group also had a giant seller with Jerry Butler and the Impressions singing "For Your Precious Love"; eventually, Jerry Butler left the Impressions and began a solo career, with Fred Cash returning as one of the original Roosters to take his place; in 1970, Curtis Mayfield left the Impressions and began a successful solo career, which included successes such as the Superfly sound track; despite his departure, Mayfield continued writing and producing for the Impressions; Leroy Hutson also joined the Impressions, but left in 1973; and

WHEREAS, The Impressions had three R & B Top Ten singles from 1974-1975, including "Finally Got Myself Together", "Same Things It Took", and "Sooner or Later"; and

WHEREAS, The Impressions have not forgotten their Chicago roots and have served as role-models for our youth and provided motivation for youth to become better educated; the group's activism has been a source of encouragement to the Rev. Harold E. Bailey, President of Probation Challenge, to continue in his efforts to assist troubled young people in Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois as they endeavor to re-enter society, turn their lives around, and be tax payers instead of tax burdens; and

WHEREAS, The Impressions will celebrate the group's 53rd anniversary with a performance at Probation Challenge's 31st Annual "Portrait of Achievers Awards, Dinner and The Show of Shows" on August 20, 2010 at the Condesa del Mar Banquet Facility in Alsip; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Impressions serve as models of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the members of the Impressions on the occasion of the group's 53rd anniversary and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the members of the Impressions as a symbol of our esteem and respect.