The Preservation of Jazz

H. CON. RES. 57
100TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION

___________________________

Introduced by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. of Michigan

March 3, 1987

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 57

Expressing the sense of Congress respecting the designation of jazz as a rare and valuable national American treasure.

Whereas, jazz has achieved preeminence throughout the world as an indigenous American music and art form, bringing to this country and the world a uniquely American musical synthesis and culture through the African American experience and�
(1) makes evident to the world an outstanding artistic model of individual expression and democratic cooperation within the creative process, thus fulfilling the highest ideals and aspirations of our republic,
(2) is a unifying force, bridging cultural, religious ethnic and age differences in our diverse society,
(3) is a true music of the people, finding its inspiration in the cultures and most personal experiences of the diverse peoples that constitute our Nation,
(4) has evolved into a multifaceted art form which continues to birth and nurture new stylistic idioms and cultural fusions,
(5) has had a historic, pervasive, and continuing influence on other genres of music both here and abroad, and
(6) has become a true international language adopted by musicians around the world as a music best able to express contemporary realities from a personal perspective;
and

Whereas, this great American musical art form has not yet been properly recognized nor accorded the institutional status commensurate with its value and importance;

Whereas, it is important for the youth of America to recognize and understand jazz as a significant part of their cultural and intellectual heritage;

Whereas, in as much as there exists no effective national infrastructure to support and preserve jazz;

Whereas, documentation and archival support required by such a great art form has yet to be systematically applied to the jazz field; and

Whereas, it is in the best interest of the national welfare and all of our citizens to preserve and celebrate this unique art form: Now, therefore be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that Jazz is hereby designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources to make certain it is preserved, understood and promulgated.

Passed the House of Representatives, September 23, 1987.

Passed the Senate version introduced by Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA), December 4, 1987