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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 109
BY REPRESENTATIVES BURRELL, WESLEY BISHOP, DIXON, JEFFERSON, AND
PIERRE
A RESOLUTION
To express condolences upon the death of Dr. Isaac Greggs, long-time band director at
Southern University in Baton Rouge.
WHEREAS, the great trumpet sounded on April 28, 2014, calling home the often
imitated but never duplicated Shreveport native Dr. Isaac "Doc" Greggs, band director at
Southern University in Baton Rouge for thirty-seven years; and
WHEREAS, Doc Greggs created the Marching Band From Jaguarland at Southern
University and was chief composer of the unique flair and flavor exhibited by his musicians
as they took on the moniker that best described them: The Human Jukebox; and
WHEREAS, Southern University's marching bands played at six Super Bowls, four
Sugar Bowls, and three presidential inaugurations with Doc Greggs as director; and
WHEREAS, the influence of Doc Greggs extended beyond the band room and
performance venues of the musicians who played for him; a significant number of his
students have become band directors and musicians of note around the country, and the
principles of dedication and commitment he instilled in his students shaped many of them
into leaders in careers outside of music; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Greggs was a charter member of Delta Upsilon Lambda and was
an active member of Beta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated;
and
WHEREAS, the musical genius of Dr. Isaac Greggs was formally recognized in
2013, when he was inducted into the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, the music building on the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University,
formerly known as Dubose Music Hall, recently was renamed the Isaac Greggs Band Hall
in his honor; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 109
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WHEREAS, Doc Greggs communicated to his students the need to "be at the right
time, at the right place, with the right equipment ready to concentrate", a mantra that applies
beyond the realm of music, and with his departure from this Earthly life to his Heavenly
home, it is fitting to note that Dr. Isaac Greggs is now at the right place, making beautiful
music for all eternity.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere condolences upon the passing of Dr.
Isaac Greggs; does hereby extend deepest sympathies to family and friends as they mourn
the absence of his presence; does hereby herald his legacy of music at Southern University
and recognize his stylistic impact on bands around the country; and does hereby share in the
prayers of the citizens of the state in comfort and fond remembrances of the sweet sounds
that emanated from this musical icon.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this resolution be transmitted
to the family of Dr. Isaac Greggs.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES