RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-856

A resolution recognizing a pioneer and legendary bluegrass player renowned Roland White.

WHEREAS, at an early age, Roland White, along with his brothers Eric and Clarence and his sister Joanne, formed a bluegrass band that performed locally. When the family moved to California, the group won a talent show on a local radio station after which a television station hired Eric and Clarence as “The Country Boys”; and

WHEREAS, after a two-year U.S. Army enlistment, Roland White joined the Country Boys and the group was renamed “The Kentucky Colonels.” In 1967, Roland had the opportunity to join “the Blue Grass Boys,” the backup band for his childhood idol Bill Monroe. Roland stayed with that group until 1969 when he joined “The Nashville Grass,” the backup band for Lester Flatt. In 1973, Roland, Clarence and Eric White reunited as “The New Kentucky Colonels.” The reunion lasted only a brief period following the tragic accident and death of brother Clarence White. After Clarence’s death, Roland began a thirteen-year tenure with the progressive west coast group “Country Gazette” playing guitar and mandolin. In 1989, Roland joined the “Nashville Bluegrass Band” which distinguished themselves as the premier bluegrass band of their generation, winning two Grammy Awards and Grammy nominations on all of their albums; and

WHEREAS, in 2000, Roland formed the “Roland White Band” which earned a Grammy nomination for their first recording, “Jelly on My Tofu.” Roland has been honored by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) and the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for his achievements and contributions to bluegrass music; and

WHEREAS, Roland White and his band continue to perform and to teach around the world and have no plans to retire; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize Roland White a frontiersman of bluegrass, commend him for his many successes in the arena as a musician and educator, and wish him continued success as he keeps on picking.

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 and congratulating Roland White upon his induction into the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame and for his tremendous contributions to bluegrass music.

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

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: Jeff Syracuse