House adopts resolution honoring blues musician Bobby Rush

The Arkansas House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 1038 on a voice vote to honor blues musician Bobby Rush for his contributions to the state’s musical culture.

The resolution, introduced and explained by Representative Duffield, recounts Rush’s career beginning in Pine Bluff and Chicago and cites his induction into multiple music halls of fame and his Grammy awards, including honors noted in the text for 2017 and 2024. The resolution text also records that Rush was born Emmett Ellis Jr. near Homer, Louisiana, on Nov. 10, 1933, and traces early career milestones mentioned in the House reading, including his breakout record “Chicken Heads.”

Representative Duffield asked several colleagues to join him at the well while the resolution was read in full by the clerk. After an opportunity for debate, the House voted on the resolution by voice; the presiding officer declared, “The ayes have it,” and the resolution was adopted. No recorded roll-call tally was provided in the transcript for the resolution.

The resolution text included biographical and career highlights cited in the House reading: Rush’s work with notable blues musicians early in his career, his gold-certified record “Chicken Heads,” appearances in documentary and feature films, worldwide touring and performances for U.S. troops, and multiple Grammy awards named in the resolution. The reading also notes Rush’s long affiliation with Arkansas as someone raised in Pine Bluff and described him in the House remarks as a cultural ambassador for the blues.

House Resolution 1038 was introduced under the sponsorship of Representative Duffield and adopted without recorded opposition in the transcript excerpt.