H*4047 Concurrent Resolution, By J. Hines and Snow
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE LATE BUDDY JOHNSON AND HIS SISTER,
 ELLA JOHNSON, BOTH OF DARLINGTON COUNTY, FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS AND
 ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FIELD OF MUSIC ON THE OCCASION OF HIS INDUCTION INTO
 THE SOUTH CAROLINA MUSIC HALL OF FAME, AND THE UNVEILING OF A HISTORICAL
 MARKER ON THE GROUNDS OF MAYO HIGH SCHOOL WHICH CHRONICLES THEIR CAREERS IN
 THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.

   05/01/01  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-28
   05/02/01  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-5

TO RECOGNIZE THE LATE BUDDY JOHNSON AND HIS SISTER, ELLA JOHNSON, BOTH OF DARLINGTON COUNTY, FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FIELD OF MUSIC ON THE OCCASION OF HIS INDUCTION INTO THE SOUTH CAROLINA MUSIC HALL OF FAME, AND THE UNVEILING OF A HISTORICAL MARKER ON THE GROUNDS OF MAYO HIGH SCHOOL WHICH CHRONICLES THEIR CAREERS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.

Whereas, the brother and sister musical duo of Buddy (Woodrow Wilson) and Ella Johnson was born in Darlington County; and

Whereas, Buddy, a renowned composer, conductor, and pianist, who led the Buddy Johnson Orchestra, was born on January 10, 1915, and died in 1977; and

Whereas, Ella, whose singing became as much a trademark of the Buddy Johnson Orchestra as her brother's piano playing, was born on June 22, 1923, and resides in New York City; and

Whereas, both Buddy and Ella graduated from Mayo High School in Darlington County; and

Whereas, the Buddy Johnson Orchestra was a fourteen piece orchestra in the mid 1940's and by 1950 had seventeen members; and

Whereas, Buddy and Ella Johnson enjoyed great success with songs such as: "When My Man Comes Home", which gained recognition as a #1 hit on all national charts in 1944; "Since I Fell For You"; "Stop Pretending"; "Please Mr. Johnson"; and the clever tune "Fine Brown Frame", which for many years was played in every town that booked the orchestra; and

Whereas, the Buddy Johnson Orchestra was a popular attraction for many years at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City; and

Whereas, Buddy and Ella achieved great success on the following recording labels: Classics, 1939-1942; Decca, 1942-1952; and Mercury, 1953-1964; and

Whereas, Buddy Johnson will be inducted into the South Carolina Music Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 19, 2001, during a ceremony conducted at his alma mater, Mayo High School in Darlington County; and

Whereas, on that date a historical marker also will be unveiled on the campus of Mayo High School which recognizes the accomplishments of both Buddy and Ella Johnson; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the members of the General Assembly to pause in their deliberations to recognize the exceptional talents and accomplishments of this son and daughter of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize the late Buddy Johnson and his sister, Ella Johnson, both of Darlington County, for their exceptional talents and accomplishments in the field of music on the occasion of his induction into the South Carolina Music Hall of Fame and the unveiling of a historical marker on the grounds of Mayo High School which chronicles their careers in the music industry.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Ms. Ella Johnson and the family of the late Buddy Johnson.