Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SR0245 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

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2	2	<BillNo> <Sponsor>
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4	4	SENATE RESOLUTION 245
5	5	By Akbari
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8	8	SR0245
9	9	008088
10	10	- 1 -
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13	13	A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Kortland Whalum of
14	14	Memphis.
15	15
16	16	WHEREAS, Kortland Whalum is a powerful voice in American theater and soul music—a
17	17	dynamic vocalist, actor, and educator whose artistic journey reflects deep Memphis roots, family
18	18	legacy, and a lifelong commitment to storytelling through song. Known for his commanding
19	19	stage presence and emotionally resonant performances, Kortland has become a fixture in
20	20	Memphis's vibrant theatrical community while also emerging as a soul artist in his own right; and
21	21	WHEREAS, born into the legendary Whalum family, Kortland is the son of Rev. Kenneth
22	22	Whalum Jr., the current pastor of Olivet Fellowship, and nephew of Grammy-winning
23	23	saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Music was in the air from day one—his mother, Sheila, and
24	24	grandmother were singers; his brothers Kenneth and Kameron are both renowned musicians.
25	25	But rather than following the path of instrumental performance, Kortland found his voice—
26	26	literally—as a singer. Initially wanting to emulate his brother Kenneth on the saxophone, he
27	27	pivoted to vocal performance and discovered his calling; and
28	28	WHEREAS, his first performance at age six was in church—a setting that nurtured his
29	29	confidence and sense of purpose. Over time, that foundation of gospel music, spiritual
30	30	storytelling, and community shaped him into an emotionally intuitive performer. His trajectory
31	31	shifted when he attended Overton High School, where exposure to Broadway productions
32	32	during a trip to New York sparked a passion for theater. That passion followed him to
33	33	Morehouse College, where he studied voice and deepened his appreciation for acting and
34	34	performance; and
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36	36
37	37	- 2 - 008088
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39	39	WHEREAS, Kortland's career blossomed in New York, but a role in Hattiloo Theatre's
40	40	The Wiz brought him back to Memphis—where he's remained ever since, becoming a beloved
41	41	figure in the city's performing arts scene. His standout performances in Cats, The Wiz, and
42	42	Raisin have garnered critical acclaim for their emotional depth and nuanced storytelling. Chris
43	43	Davis of the Memphis Flyer called his portrayal of Walter Lee Younger "as rich a performance
44	44	as I've seen in ages"; and
45	45	WHEREAS, beyond the stage, Kortland served for four years as a vocal instructor at the
46	46	Stax Music Academy, where he mentored students and led international performances. He
47	47	currently serves on the board of the Memphis Listening Lab, further cementing his role as a
48	48	community leader and cultural steward. In 2021, Kortland returned to his roots with A Love
49	49	Letter, a deeply personal neo-soul EP featuring musical contributions from his entire family,
50	50	including uncles and brothers. The title track—intimate, raw, and prayer-like—showcases
51	51	Kortland's ability to convey vulnerability with finesse; and
52	52	WHEREAS, for Kortland, music is both mirror and medicine. "It really has been my
53	53	therapy," he says. "I sing through happy times and through sad times. It's been like my twin
54	54	throughout my life." Now nearing forty, he embraces the freedom of his artistry, always seeking
55	55	the next opportunity to evolve, give back, and tell the stories that matter; now, therefore,
56	56	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
57	57	GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that we honor the service of
58	58	Kortland Whalum, reflecting on his contributions to music and theater and his enduring legacy of
59	59	excellence and service.
60	60	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
61	61	for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy.
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