Title
To Honor and Recognize the Life of Nancy Wilson and Dedicate Civic Center Drive as Nancy Wilson Way
Body
WHEREAS, Nancy Sue Wilson was born on February 20, 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio, and attended West High School in Columbus, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 15, she won a talent contest sponsored by the local ABC television station WTVN; and
WHEREAS, she began her performing career appearing twice-a-week on the television show, Skyline Melodies, and worked in clubs on the east and north side of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, she auditioned and won a spot in the Rusty Bryant’s Carolyn Club Big Band in 1956, and toured with the group throughout Canada and the Midwest from 1956 to 1958 and also recorded her first record; and
WHEREAS, in 1959, Nancy Wilson moved to New York to further her career and signed to Capitol Records where she made her debut single and subsequently recorded five albums focusing on rhythm and blues, and later jazz; and
WHEREAS, she won her first Grammy award in 1964, for best R&B recording for her LP “How Glad I Am”, and continued recording into the 21st Century, later winning Best Jazz Vocal Grammy Awards for two additional albums; and
WHEREAS, in addition to singing, Nancy Wilson was also an actress. She made numerous appearances on American television shows, as well as the BBC with “The Nancy Wilson Show”; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Wilson lived a phenomenal life and shared her talents graciously with the world; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Wilson will be remembered and honored through a ceremonial street sign in Columbus at the corner of Civic Center Drive and Broad Street.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize and honor the artistic contributions of Nancy Wilson, and dedicates Civic Center Drive as Nancy Wilson Way in the City of Columbus.