A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR HORACE MAXIE BURTON FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSICAL CAREER SPANNING SIXTY-FIVE YEARS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to recognize Horace Maxie Burton for his exceptional musical career spanning sixty-five years; and

Whereas, a native of Simpsonville, Mr. Burton was born to the late Eddie Ree Burton-Butler and is the grandson of the late Horace Eugene and Lois Brown-Burton; and

Whereas, before he celebrated his sixth birthday, his "coaches," Aunt Samella Burton-Jackson and Aunt Betty Jo Burton-Jones, realized that he was blessed with an exceptional vocal talent. Over the course of his adult life, he has become a much sought-after vocalist who has earned regional and national respect as a gospel artist; and

Whereas, early in his musical career, Mr. Burton turned his vocal artistry to the service of the Lord, with his first public performance taking place at Reedy Fork Baptist Church, where he was accompanied by his late aunt, Carolyn Burton-Anderson; and

Whereas, Mr. Burton is a well-travelled gospel singer who has toured, performed, and recorded with several national known gospel groups, including the Robinson Brothers, the Mighty Silvertones, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Jackson Southernaires, and the late Dr. Robert E. Dennis; and

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Burton's vocal talents have earned him opportunities to sing the national anthem for an Atlanta Braves baseball game, featuring special recognition for Michael Jordon, and to sing for audiences that included the late governor of South Carolina, Carroll Ashmore Campbell, and former president of the United States, Barack Obama; and

Whereas, a devout Christian, he is a member of Reedy Fork Baptist Church, where Reverend T. E. Simmons serves as pastor; and

Whereas, Mr. Burton is married to the former Alice Karen Goodwin, and together, they have two daughters, Senie and Darci; two grandsons, Trent Maxwell and E. J.; and one granddaughter, Sadye Elise; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Horace Maxie Burton has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Horace Maxie Burton for an exceptional musical career spanning sixty-five years.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Horace Maxie Burton.

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