H*5326 Concurrent Resolution, By Allen
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE SIMPSONVILLE NATIVE HORACE MAXIE BURTON
 FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD PRESERVING THE HERITAGE OF GOSPEL
 MUSIC, SPREADING KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE OF THIS MUSICAL TREASURE, AND CREATING NEW
 AUDIENCES FOR ITS ENJOYMENT, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON FIFTY YEARS OF SINGING
 PRAISE TO GOD THROUGH GOSPEL MUSIC.

   05/24/12  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate
                     (House Journal-page 10)
   05/24/12  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence

TO RECOGNIZE SIMPSONVILLE NATIVE HORACE MAXIE BURTON FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD PRESERVING THE HERITAGE OF GOSPEL MUSIC, SPREADING KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE OF THIS MUSICAL TREASURE, AND CREATING NEW AUDIENCES FOR ITS ENJOYMENT, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON FIFTY YEARS OF SINGING PRAISE TO GOD THROUGH GOSPEL MUSIC.

Whereas, gospel music is an integral part of the cultural fiber of South Carolina and the United States and is rightly beloved by music lovers of all backgrounds; and

Whereas, Simpsonville native Horace Maxie Burton, known as Maxie to most, has for fifty years been singing praise to God in the form of gospel music, in the process giving joy to both old and new audiences; and

Whereas, before he celebrated his sixth birthday, his coaches, Aunt Samella Jackson and Aunt Betty J. Jones, realized their young charge had been blessed with exceptional 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, Maxie dedicated his musical gifts to the service of the Lord, his first public performance taking place at Reedy Fork Baptist Church in Simpsonville, where he is still an active member; and

Whereas, Maxie has toured, performed, and recorded with several well-known gospel groups, including the Robinson Brothers, the Mighty Silvertones, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Jackson Southernaires, and Dr. R.E. Dennis. His vocal talents also earned him the opportunity to sing the national anthem for an Atlanta Braves baseball game; and

Whereas, married to the former Alice Karen Goodwin, Maxie and his dear wife are the proud parents of two daughters, Senie and Darci, as well as the delighted grandparents of two grandsons; and

Whereas, in honor of his many years of gospel ministry, Maxie will be honored on June 10, 2012, at a special celebration of his life and music; and

Whereas, the General Assembly, grateful for his gift of music to the people of South Carolina and beyond, takes great pleasure in recognizing Maxie Burton for a half century of singing praise to God through his gospel music. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize Simpsonville native Horace Maxie Burton for his outstanding contributions toward preserving the heritage of gospel music, spreading knowledge and love of this musical treasure, and creating new audiences for its enjoyment, and congratulate him on fifty years of singing praise to God through gospel music.

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