HR0685 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0685 LRB098 14780 MST 49703 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Maurice C. Houston of Chicago, who passed away on October 28, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Maurice Houston was born in Chicago on April 20, 1959; and

WHEREAS, Maurice Houston signed with Granny White and Burning White Productions, a division of Columbia and Epic Records, at the age of 19; he started Studio "M" in 1983 in the family basement and partnered with lifelong friend and business partner Roger Simmons; together they moved Studio "M" to Washington Street in Waukegan in 1991 and formed Maurog Records; he worked with many local Chicago artists such as Lou Pride, Mauree', Joan Collaso, Carmen Stokes, Walter Thomas, Ben Jammmin' Johnson, Lonnie "Mr. Blues" Givens, and many more; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Mo", Maurice Houston was a talented musician and producer who worked with such greats as Michael Henderson, Ray Parker Jr., Phyllis Hyman, Sonny Sitt, Chaka Khan, Howard Hewett, Cherrelle, Alexander O'Neil, Jean Carne, George Johnson of "The Brothers Johnson", The Temptations Review with Dennis Edwards, and many more; as producer he has recorded with the Staple Singers, the Dells, the Friends of Distinction, and Superior Movement; he co-produced the first 2 albums of jazz guitarist great Nick Colionne and many more world famous musicians; and

WHEREAS, Maurice Houston was the offspring of music and entertainment royalty; his grandfather was Clarence Davis and his grandmother, Ernestine "Tiny" Davis, is enshrined in the International Jazz Hall of Fame in Kansas City, Missouri; his mother, Dorothy Harney, was an accomplished musician as well and was the first female electric bassist in the Midwest; and

WHEREAS, Maurice Houston was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Harney; his father, Charles Houston; his step-father, John Harney; his sisters, Sharon Griffin, Lois Houston, and Billie Jean Houston; and his brother, Ronell Houston; and

WHEREAS, Maurice Houston is survived by his son, Charles C. Houston; his brother, Steve (Debbie) Houston; his adopted brother, Mike Barbee; his niece, Portia Griffen; and his nephews, Steven James and Brian James; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Maurice C. Houston, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Maurice Houston as an expression of our deepest sympathy.