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TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO DOC MCKENZIE FROM LAKE CITY, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR ALL OF HIS SERVICES AND FOR BEING A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE MANY PEOPLE WITH WHOM HE HAS COME IN CONTACT IN THIS STATE AND NATION.
Whereas, Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites began with Milbert E. S. McKenzie, born April 29, 1949, in Olanta, South Carolina, to Mr. and Mrs. Leroy and Cora McKenzie. Leroy and Cora were farmers, and they taught their son to farm and to know the values of life according to the Word of God; and
Whereas, the family were members of St. Mark's Holiness Church in Lake City. The church's Bishop, R. C. Eaddy, who knew Milbert at the age of three, nicknamed him "Doc" because of his ability to "doctor" just about anything; and
Whereas, Doc attended elementary school in Olanta, and when the family moved to Lake City, he completed his education and graduated from Carver High School in 1967; and
Whereas, at the very young age of six, Doc became president and music director of his choir at the church. By age eleven, his talents included being the guitarist and musician for the choir, and the Junior Sunday School teacher; and
Whereas, in 1965, The Gospel Hi-Lites were organized with Doc, his sister Beronzy McKenzie, and his cousin, Handy McFadden. A few years later, Doc joined his older brothers in Paterson, New Jersey, and they became known as "Doc McKenzie and The Gospel Hi-Lites"; and
Whereas, in 1982, the group launched their professional career with the release of the hit song "What a Wonder the Lord Has Done", also known as "The Little Girl That Fell". When his brothers retired from the group shortly thereafter, Doc reorganized with new members and relocated to Lake City; and
Whereas, the group has toured the United States and abroad extensively, gaining popularity while spreading the Word of God through Doc's music ministry. In 1999, the group performed at the premier City of Chicago Gospel Music Fest, the largest free outdoor concert in the United States; and
Whereas, on December 2, 2000, Doc McKenzie and The Gospel Hi-Lites did a live recording at the Louisburg College in Louisburg, North Carolina. With the release of the audio/video recording entitled "Hold On" for MCG Records, the group became "Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites", and the next chapter of their rich history was begun; and
Whereas, throughout the group's career, they have garnered numerous awards, such as: Blockbuster Gold Cup Award, 1996 and 2000, from the American Gospel Quartet Convention (AGQC); Best Song of the Year, 1995; Favorite Tape/CD of the Year, 1996 and 1999; Favorite Male Vocalist of the Year, 2002 and 2003; Producer of the Year, 2003; Favorite Quartet Group of the Year, 2003, Favorite Website of the Year, 2003; and the Johnson/Blair Award, the namesake award of the late Willie Neal Johnson of the Gospel Keynotes and Robert Blair of the Fantastic Violinaires, in memory of their legacy to gospel music. This award is the highest award of the AGQC, and goes to the artist recognized as "Artist of the Year"; and
Whereas, in addition to accolades from the AGQC, Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites were nominees for the 2002 Stellar Awards in two categories. They have been blessed with numerous trophies and honors, along with being honored with several city, county, and state certificates, keys to cities, and having days named for them. Most notably, in Doc's hometown of Lake City on August 2, 2002, the Mayor proclaimed that day and all subsequent first Fridays in August as "Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites Day"; and
Whereas, June 28, 2003, witnessed the page-turning day for the group as they delighted fans with their latest "Live Recording and Videotaping" concern in Louisburg at the Louisburg College Auditorium. Under the auspices of New Haven Record Company, the group is prepared to continue their legacy, to bless and be blessed, and to stand on the Rock. The title track of their new project, "Standing on the Rock-Live", is indicative of their position and trust in the Providence of God. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly wish to show their appreciation to Doc McKenzie from Lake City, South Carolina, for all of his services and for being a positive influence in the lives of the many people with whom he has come in contact in this State and nation.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Doc McKenzie.
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