ORDINANCE NO. 230246

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Sponsor:  Councilmember Melissa Robinson

RESOLUTION - Recognizing the life and legacy of Ida McBeth.

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WHEREAS, for decades, Kansas City jazz legend and song stylist extraordinaire, Ida McBeth had a successful and inspiring career singing at local venues since she was 16 years old; and

WHEREAS, Ida McBeth’s musical style covers a variety of genres including pop-style ballads, jazz and blues, show tunes, funk, R&B, and gospel, inspired by vocalists including Nancy Wilson, Arthur Prysock, Nat King Cole, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight and Sarah Vaughan; and

WHEREAS, after graduating high school and then attending the University of Kansas, Ida McBeth moved to Los Angeles where she recorded her first album and then moved back to Kansas City where she performed regularly around town; and

WHEREAS, in 1984, Ida McBeth was named by the Kansas City-based International Jazz Hall of Fame as both “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” and “Entertainer of the Year;” and

WHEREAS, Ida McBeth was Crowned Queen of the Kansas City, Kansas Blues Street Festival for 2005 and given the key to the city and was voted “Best of R&B / Soul” in the Pitch Readers Poll for 2004 and 2005; and

WHEREAS, Kansas Citians and people across the nation continue to enjoy and be inspired by Ida McBeth’s dynamic music. NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize and thank Ida McBeth for sharing her rich talent and showmanship as a world-renowned singer; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to the McBeth Family with the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for Ida McBeth’s lifetime commitment and contribution to Kansas City Jazz History.

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