Title
Co-naming portions of Franklin Avenue as "Dave Ray Avenue."
Body
WHEREAS, Dave Ray aka "James David Ray" aka "Snaker" Ray was one of the great and legendary bluesmen to come out of the 1960s Folk Revival; an artist whose singular vision, voice and guitar style were lauded worldwide, first achieving fame on world stages like the Newport Folk Festival and through legendary recordings on Elektra Records with his seminal blues trio Koerner, Ray & Glover, earning the admiration of peers like Bob Dylan and The Beatles; and
WHEREAS, Dave Ray was born and raised in the City of Saint Paul; first developed his music gift there; performed in his home city's clubs, theaters and festival stages throughout his life, while maintaining a successful second career for many years with his insurance agency on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Curfew Street; and
WHEREAS, whether performing solo, with longtime colleague Tony Glover, or with a variety of exciting blues band, his contributions to the cultural landscape of Saint Paul were immense and still reverberating in younger generations of younger admiring musicians; and
WHEREAS, his fierce individuality and artistry never declined with time, but increased in depth, nuance and richness every passing year; and
WHEREAS, when facing the incredible pain and challenges of terminal illness, he approached the end of his life and work with dignity and determination, performing stunning concerts until only a few weeks before his death; and
WHEREAS, Dave leaves a legacy of passion, dedication, and outstanding public service in the Arts given to the City of Saint Paul;
WHEREAS, the naming of a street after an artist who has so enriched the cultural life of the city is an acceptable way to honor his contributions; and
WHEREAS, The James M. Ray Insurance Agency, a family business which Dave ran and which was the place where so many of his fellow artists would stay and practice when performing in St. Paul, was located at 2517 Franklin Ave W on the northeast corner of Franklin Avenue and Curfew Street in St Paul;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Franklin Avenue between Berry and Eustis Streets is hereby co-named Dave Ray Avenue and that appropriate street signage will be placed by the Department of Public Works at the appropriate corners of Franklin Avenue, and Berry and Eustis Streets.