WHEREAS, Pierre Johnson as born in Chicago on January 28, 1959; and
WHEREAS, he grew up in Henry Horner Homes on the West Side; and
WHEREAS, Pierre Johnson launched his music career in December 1973 as lead vocalist with the soul group, 21st Century, which compared with the Jackson Five in sound and style; and
WHEREAS, the group was brought to the attention of Marvin Smith with the creative staff of Golden Tones Productions Inc.; and
WHEREAS, after an audition for Golden Tones president Reggie Sykes, 21st Century was immediately signed to the record label; and
WHEREAS, 21st Century's first recording session resulted in the Chicago area release of "Remember the Rain," which sold 20,000 copies in its first two weeks and led to a contract for the group with RCA Records; and
WHEREAS, 21st Century made its professional concert debut on Feb. 21, 1975 at the High Chaparral Lounge on the same bill with Billy Preston and performed to raving reviews at the Auditorium Theater; and
WHEREAS, 21st Century appeared during that period at the McVickers Theater in the same bill as the Miracles, the Impressions, Joe Simon, Willie Clayton, Candi Staton and the Soul Train Gang; and
WHEREAS, under the revised name 21st Creation, 21st Century cut its last record as a group with Motown Gordy Label; and
WHEREAS, a solo vocalist discovered for jingle work by WVON radio's Richard Pegue, Pierre Johnson has made numerous jingle appearances on radio and television through Burrell Communications advertising and Repcom Communications for the likes of Proctor & Gamble and most memorably as the rapping voice for the Moo 'N Oink commercial; that ran for 16 years and
WHEREAS, Pierre Johnson has sang the national anthem for the Chicago Bulls and White Sox with his rendition of the National Anthem ("Star Spangled Banner"); and
WHEREAS, he has distinguished himself as a nightclub soloist; and
WHEREAS, Pierre Johnson is frequently sampled and covered and infrequently credited;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Dennis Deer, Cook County Commissioner 2nd District on behalf of President Toni Preckwinkle, the Cook County Board of Commissioners and on behalf of the over five million residents of Cook County, on this date September 21, 2023 do hereby recognize Pierre Johnson in life as a legendary contributor to the history and legacy of urban music.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to Pierre Johnson and a copy is spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.