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COMMITTEE REPORT
June 5, 2007
H. 4196
Introduced by Reps. G. Brown, Weeks, J.H. Neal, Lowe and G.M. Smith
S. Printed 6/5/07--H. [SEC 6/6/07 1:37 PM]
Read the first time May 31, 2007.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 4196) to request that the Department of Transportation name the portion of United States Highway 521 from its intersection with South Carolina Highway 441 to its intersection with, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
ROBERT W. LEACH, SR. for Committee.
TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 521 FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 441 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH CHARLES JACKSON ROAD "BILL PINKNEY OF THE ORIGINAL DRIFTERS HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "BILL PINKNEY OF THE ORIGINAL DRIFTERS HIGHWAY".
Whereas, Bill Pinkney is a native son of South Carolina, born in Dalzell on August 15, 1925; and
Whereas, he volunteered for the United States Army at age seventeen and took part in the Normandy Invasion, fighting his way across Europe, earning four Bronze Stars and a Presidential Citation; and
Whereas, after the war, Bill Pinkney became an outstanding player with the New York Blue Sox of the Negro Baseball League; and
Whereas, while in New York, Bill Pinkney and others, including renowned South Carolina vocal artist the late Brook Benton, first formed and performed as "The Southern Knights" gospel quartet; and
Whereas, shortly thereafter, he met and became friends with well-known vocalist, the late Clyde McPhatter, and together they founded "The Drifters" vocal group; and
Whereas, "The Drifters", beginning with the song "Money Honey" on the Atlantic label in 1953 became one of the most beloved, durable, prolific, and popular rhythm and blues groups the world has ever known; and
Whereas, even today almost fifty-four years later, Bill Pinkney, as leader of "Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters", continues to entertain, enthrall, and delight audiences and fans, and as such, continues as an outstanding ambassador of good will from the Palmetto State; and
Whereas, his music has been and continues to be a positive force for bringing together people of diverse background, race, religion, sex, and age; and
Whereas, Bill Pinkney has never lost or forsaken his deep roots, embracing love of God and love of country, and regularly includes gospel and patriotic selections in his performances; and
Whereas, he has been awarded The Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award bestowed by the State of South Carolina, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, a public park in Dalzell has been developed and named in his honor; and
Whereas, he has led an exemplary life of dedication as a soldier, patriot, gospel vocalist, athlete, and popular music superstar and legend; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly believe that it would be fitting and proper to forever recognize this beloved son of South Carolina by naming a portion of United States Highway 521 in his honor. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name the portion of United States Highway 521 from its intersection with South Carolina Highway 441 to its intersection with Charles Jackson Road "Bill Pinkney of the Original Drifters Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this highway that contain the words "Bill Pinkney of the Original Drifters Highway".
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
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