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A Final Note

A bill emphasizing the importance of jazz and the preservation of its history was passed by the House of Representatives September 23, 1987 and by the Senate December 4, 1987 (H.CON.RES 57). The following, quotes sections of this legislation:

Whereas, jazz has achieved preeminence throughout the world as an indigenous American music and art form, bringing to this country and the world a uniquely American musical synthesis and culture through the African-American experience and … has had an historic, pervasive and continuing influence on other genres of music both here and abroad, and …

Whereas, this great American musical art form has not yet been properly recognized nor accorded the institutional status commensurate with its value and importance;

Whereas, it is important for the youth of America to recognize and understand jazz as a significant part of their cultural and intellectual heritage;

Whereas, in as much as there exists no effective national infrastructure to support and preserve jazz;

Whereas, documentation and archival support required by such a great art form has yet to be systematically applied to the jazz field; and

Whereas, it is now in the best interest of the national welfare and all of our citizens to preserve and celebrate this unique art form;

Now, therefore be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that it is the sense of the Congress that jazz is hereby designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources to make certain it is preserved, understood and promulgated.

RIPM Jazz Periodicals constitutes a major step forward in fulfilling what is recognized as an undertaking of national and international importance.