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HJR 1541

Memorials, Death - Don Schlitz -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bo Mitchell

Tennessee honors Don Schlitz for his lasting impact on country music, recognizing his chart-topping songs, industry accolades, and charitable contributions.

Signed by Senate Speaker
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Bill Summary · HJR 1541

Summary of HJR 1541 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Purpose

  • A House Joint Resolution honoring the memory and legacy of Don Schlitz, a renowned Nashville-based songwriter, on his life and contributions to country music and the community.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Resolution recognizing Don Schlitz as a major figure in country music with a documented record of achievements and influence.
  • Highlights include:
    • Songwriter behind major hits: Kenny Rogers’s “The Gambler,” Randy Travis’s “On the Other Hand” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” and Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing At All.”
    • Notable career milestones: first recorded song “The Gambler” for Kenny Rogers; Grammy for Best Country Song (1978); CMA Song of the Year (1979); 25 No. 1 hits and 50 Top Ten singles.
    • Industry honors: ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year (1988–1991); multiple CMA, ACM, and Grammy awards; inductions into the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Country Music Hall of Fame (one of only a few songwriters so honored).
    • Historic Opry recognition: in 2022, first non-artist songwriter inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
    • Community and charitable involvement: long-time supporter of Room In The Inn; performed at Nashville’s homeless memorial and at the organization’s events; involvement with Denver (note: consistent with local Nashville philanthropy) – the text emphasizes his charity work and community service.
    • Personal and career background: born in Durham, NC; moved to Nashville; early association with Bluebird Café and the development of its songwriter-in-the-round format; known for accessibility and generosity (e.g., “Don For A Dollar” performances).
    • Family and survivors are listed (wife, children, grandchildren, siblings) to accompany the memorial language.
  • The resolution includes the formal conclusion:
    • Expresses sympathy and condolences to Schlitz’s family.
    • Directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with a standard closing clause about the language and design of the copy.

Who/What is Affected

  • Don Schlitz: recognized posthumously for his influence and contributions to music and culture.
  • Tennessee and Nashville communities, including the broader country music industry, songwriters, venues (notably the Bluebird Café), and charitable organizations like Room In The Inn.
  • The State of Tennessee, via a formal expression of appreciation from the General Assembly.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Filed for introduction on April 20, 2026.
  • Sponsor: Representative Mitchell (co-sponsored by Bo Mitchell).
  • Type: Memorial/expressions resolution; not a law but an official act of recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • Final language: Includes a standard concluding clause allowing for a copy of the resolution to be filed and presented without extraneous designations.

Effect on Policy/Impact

  • This is a ceremonial, commemorative measure. It has no regulatory or fiscal impact but serves to publicly acknowledge and celebrate Don Schlitz’s contributions to music and Tennessee’s cultural heritage.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a one-page briefing for a legislative audience or create a side-by-side comparison with other similar memorial resolutions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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