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COMMITTEE REPORT
January 9, 2008
H. 4426
Introduced by Reps. G. Brown, Weeks, G.M. Smith, Lowe and J.H. Neal
S. Printed 1/9/08--H.
Read the first time January 8, 2008.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 4426) to request that the Department of Transportation name the portion of old United States Highway 521 (S-43-1342) from its intersection with South Carolina Highway 441, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
ROBERT W. LEACH, SR. for Committee.
TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF OLD UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 521 (S-43-1342) FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 441 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH CHARLES JACKSON ROAD "BILL PINKNEY OF THE ORIGINAL DRIFTERS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "BILL PINKNEY OF THE ORIGINAL DRIFTERS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".
Whereas, Bill Pinkney is a native son of South Carolina, born in Dalzell on August 15, 1925 and died on July 4, 2007; and
Whereas, he volunteered for the United States Army at age seventeen and took part in the Normandy Invasion, fighting his way across Europe, earning four Bronze Stars and a Presidential Citation; and
Whereas, after the war, Bill Pinkney became an outstanding player with the New York Blue Sox of the Negro Baseball League; and
Whereas, while in New York, Bill Pinkney and others, including renowned South Carolina vocal artist the late Brook Benton, first formed and performed as "The Southern Knights" gospel quartet; and
Whereas, shortly thereafter, he met and became friends with well-known vocalist, the late Clyde McPhatter, and together they founded "The Drifters" vocal group; and
Whereas, "The Drifters", beginning with the song "Money Honey" on the Atlantic label in 1953 became one of the most beloved, durable, prolific, and popular rhythm and blues groups the world has ever known; and
Whereas, until his death, Bill Pinkney, as leader of "Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters", entertained, enthralled, and delighted audiences and fans, as an outstanding ambassador of good will from the Palmetto State; and
Whereas, his music continues to be a positive force for bringing together people of diverse backgrounds, race, religion, sex, and age; and
Whereas, throughout his life, Bill Pinkney never lost or forsook his deep roots, embracing love of God and love of country, and regularly included gospel and patriotic selections in his performances; and
Whereas, he was awarded The Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award bestowed by the State of South Carolina, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, a public park in Dalzell was developed and named in his honor; and
Whereas, he led an exemplary life of dedication as a soldier, patriot, gospel vocalist, athlete, and popular music superstar and legend; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly believe that it would be fitting and proper to forever recognize this beloved son of South Carolina by naming a portion of old United States Highway 521 in his honor. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name the portion of old United States Highway 521 (S-43-1342) from its intersection with South Carolina Highway 441 to its intersection with Charles Jackson Road "Bill Pinkney of the Original Drifters Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this highway that contain the words "Bill Pinkney of the Original Drifters Memorial Highway".
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
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