HLS 14RS-4372 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 109
BY REPRESENTATIVES BURRELL, WESLEY BISHOP, DIXON, JEFFERSON, AND
PIERRE
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of former Southern University
band director Dr. Isaac Greggs
A RESOLUTION1
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
WHEREAS, Dr. Greggs was a charter member of Delta Upsilon Lambda and was17
an active member of Beta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated;18
and19 HLS 14RS-4372 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 109
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WHEREAS, the musical genius of Dr. Isaac Greggs was formally recognized in1
2013, when he was inducted into the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame; and2
WHEREAS, the music building on the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University,3
formerly known as Dubose Music Hall, recently was renamed the Isaac Greggs Band Hall4
in his honor; and5
WHEREAS, Doc Greggs communicated to his students the need to "be at the right6
time, at the right place, with the right equipment ready to concentrate", a mantra that applies7
beyond the realm of music, and with his departure from this Earthly life to his Heavenly8
home, it is fitting to note that Dr. Isaac Greggs is now at the right place, making beautiful9
music for all eternity.10
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the11
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere condolences upon the passing of Dr.12
Isaac Greggs; does hereby extend deepest sympathies to family and friends as they mourn13
the absence of his presence; does hereby herald his legacy of music at Southern University14
and recognize his stylistic impact on bands around the country; and does hereby share in the15
prayers of the citizens of the state in comfort and fond remembrances of the sweet sounds16
that emanated from this musical icon.17
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this resolution be transmitted18
to the family of Dr. Isaac Greggs.19
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)]
Burrell HR No. 109
Expresses condolences upon the death of former Southern University band director Dr. Isaac
Greggs.