SR979: SR979 Norwood, Dorothy; recognize

26 LC 112 3864 Senate Resolution 979 By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Kemp of the 38th, Wicks of th e 34th, Davenport of the 17th and Anderson of the 43rd A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Dorothy Norwood; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dorothy Norwood is a legenda ry American gospel2 singer, songwriter, and storyteller widely revered as "The Worl d's Greatest Gospel3 Storyteller" whose career has spanned more than six decades of transformative musical and4 spiritual influence; and5 WHEREAS, in the early 1960s, Dorothy Norwood joined the renowned gospel group The6 Caravans, performing alongside iconic artists such as Albertina Walker and Shirley Caesar,7 helping to shape the sound and direction of modern gospel music; and8 WHEREAS, in 1964, she launched a successful solo career with th e release of her debut9 album Johnny and Jesus, establishing her distinctive storytelling style that blends music with10 sermon-like narratives that speak to faith, struggle, and redemption; and11 WHEREAS, Dorothy Norwood is celebrated for timeless works inclu ding "Johnny and12 Jesus," "The Denied Mother," "The Old Lady's House," and "There's a Stranger in Town,"13 songs that are widely regarded as gospel classics for their emotional depth and moral clarity;14 and15 S. R. 979 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3864 WHEREAS, her 1991 album Live with The Northern California G.M.W.A. Mass Choir16 reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart, marking a major milestone in her already17 distinguished career; and18 WHEREAS, Dorothy Norwood has received multiple Grammy nominatio ns and Stellar19 Awards, recognizing her excellence, longevity, and enduring inf luence within the gospel20 music industry; and21 WHEREAS, well into her 80s, Dorothy Norwood continues to record and perform, earning22 admiration for her powerful vocals, often described as "church- wrecking," and for her23 unwavering commitment to ministry through music; and24 WHEREAS, her legacy stands as a testament to the cultural, spir itual, and artistic25 contributions of Black gospel music and its deep roots in the State of Georgia and across the26 nation.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body28 recognize and commend Dorothy Norwood for her extraordinary car eer, her lasting29 contributions to gospel music, and her role in preserving and advancing a vital tradition of30 African American cultural expression.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dorothy Norwood.33 S. R. 979 - 2 -