A resolution recognizing Matthew Kennedy for musical excellence.

WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize those gifted and talented citizens who through their extraordinary efforts have distinguished themselves as a contributor to the world of music; and

WHEREAS, one such noteworthy person is Matthew Kennedy, a renowned African-American concert pianist for eighty years and whose documentary film entitled "Matthew Kennedy: One Man's Journey" as a tribute to his life and music; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Kennedy is a survivor of segregation and served as a solider in the Army; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Kennedy at the age of four improvised his first piano piece, at twelve he was star of his own radio program and with his mastery of the piano brought him and his career to the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers - first as piano accompanist, and ultimately as director; and

WHEREAS, one of Matthew Kennedy's greatest moment was being able to witness a live concert by Russian pianist Sergie Rachmaninoff in Macon, Georgia in 1932; and because of his presence at this concert (in the segregated balcony) that he was able to win a scholarship at the Juilliard School in New York - because he imitated Rachmaninoff's playing; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Kennedy toured the United States, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and South America as a piano accompanist of the Jubilee Singers, solo concert pianist and duo pianist with his wife Anne Gamble, and director of the Fist Jubilee Singers from 1957 to 1985; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Matthew Kennedy, a man of great integrity and exceptional creative spirit, for a lifetime of achievement and extend to him our best wishes for every future success.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Matthew Kennedy.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Matthew Kennedy.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	September 6, 2005
Adopted:	September 6, 2005
Approved:	September 8, 2005
By: