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

Whereas, The 2008 University of Michigan Jazz Festival, which attracts the finest high school and collegiate students in the state of Michigan and surrounding states, will celebrate the memory and contributions of a great American artist Ray Brown, with a live concert by the Clayton Brothers Quintet; and,

Whereas,  JazzSet, a quality program featuring American jazz artists will record the live concert and broadcast it later on the National Public Radio network; and,

Whereas, The University of Michigan, through the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation, has a unique relationship with the world of jazz; and,

Whereas, The University of Michigan, Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation has communicated the legacy of this great music to students throughout the state of Michigan; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 9, 2008, Ray Brown Day in Michigan.