Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 42 History
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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 42
(By Delegates Beach, Boggs, Paxton, Pethtel,
Perry, Stephens, Argento)
Declaring that bluegrass music is the official state music of West
Virginia.
Whereas, Bluegrass music was introduced to West Virginia by
early settlers as they began to spread out into the Carolinas,
Tennessee, Kentucky and the Virginias. These settlers composed new
songs about day-to-day life experiences that reflected rural life
on the farm or in the hills; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music developed further in the rural south
after World War II fusing hillbilly, folk and various types of
country music that was popular with the "plain folk" farm families
and blue-collar workers; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music is now performed and enjoyed around
the world. Present day bluegrass bands reflect influences from a
variety of sources including tradition and fusion jazz,
contemporary country, Celtic, rock and roll, old time and southern
gospel music; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music incorporates songs and rhythms from
string band, gospel, work songs and "shouts" of African American
laborers, folk, popular, homeland, country and blues music
repertoires; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music has experienced over a 100% increase
since 2000 in consumers and growth in popularity unprecedented in
recent genre history; and
Whereas, Bluegrass consumers are a diverse section of our
population, throughout the United States as well as
internationally. Compared to the average consumer, bluegrass
listeners are more likely to participate in recreation activities
such as overnight camping, bicycling, skiing, hunting and playing
golf, which constitutes a major part of West Virginia's tourism and
recreation attraction; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music has long been associated with the
Appalachian Region and is a vital part of West Virginia's heritage
and history; and
Whereas, In the Spirit of West Virginia, listeners of bluegrass
music take an unconventional approach to life, enjoy taking risks
and in turn are happy with life; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music continues to be a celebrated part of
our culture; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the official state music of West Virginia be declared
bluegrass music; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislature declare bluegrass music
to be the official music of the State of West Virginia.