HLS 14RS-4193 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 121
BY REPRESENTATIVES KATRINA JACKSON, BADON, BARROW, WESL EY
BISHOP, BROSSETT, BURRELL, COX, DIXON, FRANKLIN, GAINES,
HONORE, HUNTER, JAMES, JEFFERSON, TERRY LANDRY, NORTON,
PIERRE, PRICE, SMITH, THIERRY, ALFRED WILLIAMS, PATRICK
WILLIAMS, AND WOODRUFF AND SENATORS BROOME, BROWN,
DORSEY-COLOMB, GALLOT, GUILLORY, MORRELL, MURRAY,
PETERSON, AND TARVER
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of former Southern University
band director Dr. Isaac Greggs
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express condolences upon the death of Dr. Isaac Greggs, long-time band director at2
Southern University in Baton Rouge.3
WHEREAS, the great trumpet sounded on April 28, 2014, calling home the often4
imitated but never duplicated Shreveport native Dr. Isaac "Doc" Greggs, band director at5
Southern University in Baton Rouge for thirty-seven years; and6
WHEREAS, Doc Greggs created the Marching Band From Jaguarland at Southern7
University and was chief composer of the unique flair and flavor exhibited by his musicians8
as they took on the moniker that best described them: The Human Jukebox; and9
WHEREAS, Southern University's marching bands played at six Super Bowls, four10
Sugar Bowls, and three presidential inaugurations with Doc Greggs as director; and11
WHEREAS, the influence of Doc Greggs extended beyond the band room and12
performance venues of the musicians who played for him; a significant number of his13
students have become band directors and musicians of note around the country, and the14
principles of dedication and commitment he instilled in his students shaped many of them15
into leaders in careers outside of music; and16 HLS 14RS-4193 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 121
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WHEREAS, Dr. Greggs was a charter member of Delta Upsilon Lambda and was1
an active member of Beta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated;2
and3
WHEREAS, the musical genius of Dr. Isaac Greggs was formally recognized in4
2013, when he was inducted into the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame; and5
WHEREAS, the music building on the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University,6
formerly known as Dubose Music Hall, recently was renamed the Isaac Greggs Band Hall7
in his honor; and8
WHEREAS, Doc Greggs communicated to his students the need to "be at the right9
time, at the right place, with the right equipment ready to concentrate", a mantra that applies10
beyond the realm of music, and with his departure from this Earthly life to his Heavenly11
home, it is fitting to note that Dr. Isaac Greggs is now at the right place, making beautiful12
music for all eternity.13
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby14
express sincere condolences upon the passing of Dr. Isaac Greggs; does hereby extend15
deepest sympathies to family and friends as they mourn the absence of his presence; does16
hereby herald his legacy of music at Southern University and recognize his stylistic impact17
on bands around the country; and does hereby share in the prayers of the citizens of the state18
in comfort and fond remembrances of the sweet sounds that emanated from this musical19
icon.20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this resolution be transmitted21
to the family of Dr. Isaac Greggs.22
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Katrina Jackson HCR No. 121
Expresses condolences upon the death of former Southern University band director Dr. Isaac
Greggs.