MS HR75

Honors W.C. Handy, known as "the Father of the Blues," upon his induction into the 2022 Class of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame on December 15, 2022

Recognizes Handy's connection to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he immersed himself in local blues traditions despite being born in Florence, Alabama

Credits Handy (1873-1958) with writing and publishing the first commercially successful blues song, "Memphis Blues"

Acknowledges the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) in Meridian, established through Senate Bill 2666 in 2001, which initiated its Hall of Fame in January 2017 with 18 inaugural inductees

Directs copies of the resolution be furnished to The MAX and the Capitol Press Corps