title
A resolution recognizing Lorenzo Washington’s efforts and contributions to preserve the music legacies of North Nashville and Historic Jefferson Street.
body
WHEREAS, Lorenzo Washington is the founder and curator of Jefferson Street Sound Museum; and
WHEREAS, his life’s calling is to preserve the history, musical traditions and famous landmarks of Historic Jefferson Street and his work is recognized by music enthusiasts all over the world; and
WHEREAS, he created the Jefferson Street Sound genealogy tree showing the night clubs and artists that performed live on Historic Jefferson Street, "the Original Music Row," including legends like Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, Frank Howard, Billy Cox, Lucious Talley, Jackie Shane, Herbert Hunter, Bobby Hebb, Marion James, Johnny Jones, Jimmy Church, Clifford Curry, and many others; and
WHEREAS, the musical legacy of Jefferson Street is kept alive through the collection of information and artifacts documenting the history of jazz, soul, and rhythm and blues in North Nashville from the 1940's through the1970's; and
WHEREAS, the Jefferson Street Sound Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that bridges historical preservation and impacts today's music and entertainment with a full-service recording studio; and
WHEREAS, in the early 1970's, Mr. Washington embraced his passion for music by founding Soul Shack Records and Boutique and in 1976, he partnered with Moses Dillard and Jesse Boyce from Dillard & Boyce Productions, originally located on Nashville's Music Row; and
WHEREAS, the trio released a single titled "Come on Dance, Dance" by the Saturday Night Band that reached #2 on the charts; and
WHEREAS, another great accomplishment includes a book that he wrote titled, “Rising Above, The Lorenzo Washington Story"; and
WHEREAS, former Senator Brenda Gilmore presented Mr. Washington with a Proclamation recognizing April 3rd as “Lorenzo Washington Day” and he was nominated for the Music City Walk of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Washington received the first annual Historic Jefferson Street Star in 2022, was presented with the Distinguished Community Service Award as a Trailblazer in Community Growth and Development, was voted by Nashville Scene as the 2022 Best Community Music Museum along with the 2019 Best Culture Specialty Museum, and received The Passion For Justice Award presented by Pass the Beauty supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence and bullying in 2023, and Leading Light Award presented by The Village in 2023; and
WHEREAS, he was awarded the Historical Achievement Award by the Metropolitan Historical Commission in 2018, the National Hook Up of Black Women Community Service Award and also partnered with the National Museum of African American Music and Nashville Public Library for My Music Matters oral history initiative in 2015; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honor Lorenzo Washington and recognize his efforts and contributions to preserve the legacies of North Nashville and Historic Jefferson Street community and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Lorenzo Washington and his efforts and contributions to preserve the legacies of North Nashville and Historic Jefferson Street and wishes Mr. Washington continued success.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.