ENROLLED
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 159
BY REPRESENTATIVE WILLARD
A RESOLUTION
To commend Connie and Dwight Fitch on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary
and for their decades-long contributions to the music culture of New Orleans.
WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight Fitch are lifelong residents of New Orleans;
Connie's singing talents were discovered as a student at St. Raymond Elementary School,
and Dwight's music career was influenced by his father, Herbert Fitch, a talented musician
in his own right; and
WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight met at a talent show at St. Mary's Academy and
Dwight was so impressed with Connie's voice that he asked her parents if she could join his
musical group; together, they formed The Exiles Band; and
WHEREAS, in 1971, Connie and Dwight were married by her mentor, Father
Michael Farrell, S.S.J., and the couple received a special Apostolic Blessing from Pope Paul
VI; and
WHEREAS, after he suffered a broken jaw, Dwight put down his trumpet for a new
passion, the piano; and
WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight have been blessed with five children, all of whom
are talented musicians and singers; and
WHEREAS, for decades, Connie and Dwight Fitch have entertained New Orleans
audiences with The Exiles Band, The Crescent City Connection, The Lead Society Band,
and a trio, Quiet Storm; and
WHEREAS, the Fitch's musical roots are grounded in the church; they serve as
ministers of music and direct multiple church choirs; they also teach music at several
Catholic schools in the city; and
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WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight have served as backstage managers, music
consultants, and have performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for a decade;
and
WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight have given of their talents and resources in ways
that will reap benefits for the culture of music in New Orleans for years to come; they
formed Fitchfield Foundation to provide support for music education and burial assistance
for indigent musicians and musical services for the bereaved; and
WHEREAS, Connie and Dwight Fitch are celebrating the fifty-year anniversary of
their marriage, and it is fitting to honor the harmony this couple has brought to the music
community in New Orleans.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby congratulate Connie and Dwight Fitch upon the merry
occasion of their celebration of fifty years of marriage; does hereby commend the unity and
harmony in spirit which have blessed their beloved family, fruitful ministries, and the music
culture of New Orleans; and does hereby extend wishes on their golden wedding anniversary
for bountiful blessings and much fruit to continue to grow from their anointed union.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Connie and Dwight Fitch.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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