SR0984 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0984 LRB096 24046 KXB 43455 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of the "Queen of Gospel" Dr. Albertina Walker of Chicago, who passed away on October 8, 2010; and

WHEREAS, She was born in Chicago in 1929; at the age of 4 she began singing in the children's choir at West Point Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 22 she formed her own gospel group, Caravans, at the urging of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson; their many songs included: "Sweeping Through the City", "Mary Don't You Weep", and "Lord Keep Me Day By Day"; and

WHEREAS, After a successful career with the Caravans she embarked on a solo career that included the release of songs such as "I've Got A Feeling Everything Will Be Alright", "Jesus Will Fix It", "Please Be Patient With Me", and "I Can Go To God In Prayer"; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of her life she received many awards, including Stellar Awards, Grammy Awards, and many others; she sang for presidents, world leaders, and others, as well as launching the careers of James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, and many more gospel entertainers; and

WHEREAS, In 1989 she started the Albertina Walker Scholarship Foundation, giving money and support to aspiring musicians, singers, and artists; and

WHEREAS, Albertina Walker is survived by many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family, friends, fans, and the many people she influenced over the years with her music, the passing of Albertina Walker; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Albertina Walker as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.