Whereas, Jazz music originated in the United States of America and has had a positive impact on American culture; and,

Whereas, The 2006 University of Michigan Jazz Festival offers the opportunity to celebrate the memory and contributions of John William Coltrane as a great American artist during Black History Month with the finest high school and collegiate students in the state of Michigan and surrounding states; and,

Whereas, The University of Michigan has a unique relationship with the world of jazz through its jazz faculty; and,

Whereas, The University of Michigan, Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation has communicated John Coltrane legacy to students throughout the state of Michigan; and,

Whereas, John Coltrane was, after Charlie Parker, the most revolutionary and widely imitated saxophonist in jazz and performed with some of Jazz’s most talented artists including; Joe Webb, King Kolax, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Jimmy Heath, Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of Michigan do hereby proclaim February 11, 2006, as John Coltrane Day in Michigan.