2025 House Resolution 206

Whereas, Michigan has made a profound and lasting impact on American and global music, producing transformative artists, pioneering new genres, and shaping cultural movements that resonate across generations; and

Whereas, Michigan is the birthplace of Motown, founded by Berry Gordy in Detroit, which became one of the most successful and influential music labels in history. In the 1960s alone, Motown artists achieved seventy-nine Billboard Top 100 hits, elevating Black artists into the mainstream and bringing messages of unity, soul, and love to homes around the world; and

Whereas, Michigan musicians have defined and transformed rock music across eras, from early rock icons such as Bob Seger, Grand Funk Railroad, Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes, and Alice Cooper to trailblazing punk innovators like The Stooges and MC5, who helped spark a global punk movement; and

Whereas, In the early 1980s, Detroit DJs and electronic visionaries helped create techno, a genre that revolutionized electronic dance music and continues to influence artists worldwide, solidifying Detroit as a global hub of musical innovation; and

Whereas, Michigan has also contributed significantly to the rise of hip-hop, pop, and alternative music, producing world-renowned artists such as Eminem, Madonna, The White Stripes, Kid Rock, Big Sean, Sufjan Stevens, and Greta Van Fleet; and

Whereas, Michigan’s musical heritage spans gospel, jazz, folk, country, R&B, soul, and blues, with influential artists such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Glenn Frey, Mitch Ryder, Jack Scott, and gospel choirs and folk musicians from communities across the Upper Peninsula and throughout the state; and

Whereas, Thirty artists and groups from the city of Detroit alone have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to Michigan’s extraordinary artistic output and global cultural influence; and

Whereas, Michigan is home to renowned institutions that preserve, teach, and celebrate its musical heritage, including the Motown Museum in Detroit, Interlochen Center for the Arts in Grand Traverse County, the Detroit Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, which collectively support both historical preservation and the next generation of artists; and

Whereas, Michigan’s music heritage not only entertains but also tells stories of resilience, social change, cultural pride, industrial identity, and community spirit, inspiring generations of artists and audiences alike; and

Whereas, Michigan Historical Music Week provides an opportunity for residents, educators, museums, libraries, and cultural institutions to celebrate Michigan’s musical heritage, educate new generations, and support the growth of future musicians and creators; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare November 10–16, 2025, as Michigan Historical Music Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we honor the musicians of Michigan—past, present, and future—whose innovation, creativity, and cultural impact have shaped the soundscape of our state, our nation, and the world; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of this legislative body encourage educational institutions, higher education institutions, community organizations, music educators, historical societies, and cultural venues to observe this week with appropriate programs, events, and educational activities recognizing Michigan’s rich musical heritage.