LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating George Rossi upon the occasion of
his induction into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame on March
3, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize
those talented individuals within our midst, who have had a significant
impact on the arts and culture of our communities through their
outstanding musical entertainment; one such individual is legendary
musician, song writer and producer George Rossi; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late George Rossi upon the occasion of his induction into the Syracuse
Area Music Awards (SAMMYS) Hall of Fame celebrated at a Ceremony to be
held on Thursday, March 3, 2016, at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The Syracuse Area Music Awards were first established in
1993, to annually recognize and honor Syracuse's most prominent musi-
cians and music educators, aiming to bring these individuals to the
forefront of public attention; and
WHEREAS, Skaneateles, New York, native George "Little George" Rossi
has studied with such luminaries as Cyril Neville, Squirrel Nut Zippers
and a host of many others; and
WHEREAS, George Rossi entered the Syracuse music scene as a strong
keyboardist, and played with local band The Works before performing with
national acts, The Masters of Reality and The Bogeyman, both of which
were signed to Def American Records/Delicious Vinyl; and
WHEREAS, George Rossi continued on his own and became the lead vocal-
ist and principal song writer for the group Little Georgie and the
Shufflin Hungarians, which has since been the recipient of multiple
SAMMY awards; and
WHEREAS, Under George Rossi's leadership, the New Orleans rhythm and
blues inspired Shufflin Hungarians' self-released discs were the most
globally successful throughout the history of the Central New York music
scene; and
WHEREAS, George Rossi was also recruited to join The Wild Magnolias
Mardi Indian Tribe of New Orleans to produce their 25th anniversary
recording "Life is a Carnival," on Blue Note Records, and subsequently,
he relocated to the Crescent City in 1998, to pursue his interest in New
Orleans piano styles; and
WHEREAS, In New Orleans, George Rossi settled down as a featured piano
entertainer in the world-famous dueling piano bar, Pat O'Briens; after
Hurricane Katrina hit, he returned home to Syracuse, where he has been
performing with his Skaneateles childhood mentors and local elder
statesmen The Dean Brothers; and
WHEREAS, With deep appreciation, this Legislative Body is pleased to
have this opportunity to recognize the spellbinding talent of George
Rossi, and to wish him continuing success in all his future endeavors;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate George Rossi upon the occasion of his induction into the
Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame on March 3, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to George Rossi.