IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION congratulating Tony DiPardo, Kansas City's own "Mr. Music," on the occasion of his 95th birthday celebration.
Intro
RESOLUTION #16384, August 20, 2007
INTRODUCED BY Fred Arbanas, Dan Tarwater, Henry C. Rizzo, Theresa A. Garza,
Scott Burnett, James D. Tindall, Dennis Waits, Greg Grounds,
and Bob Spence, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, Tony DiPardo, known as "Mr. Music" for his role as the leader of the Kansas City Chiefs pep band, celebrates his 95th birthday with a Kansas City celebration; and,
WHEREAS, Tony, who grew up in an impoverished section of downtown St. Louis, developed a love of music as an elementary school student and became the star pupil; and,
WHEREAS, In 1963, Tony's life changed forever when Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle recommended him to Kansas City Chiefs' owner, the late Lamar Hunt, to be team's band director; and,
WHEREAS, Tony and Mr. Hunt shook hands on their contract, and 45 years later use that same handshake as the foundation for the longest-running music act in National Football League history; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Hunt put it best when he said, "In Kansas City, TD doesn't just stand for touchdown. It stands for Tony DiPardo"; and,
WHEREAS, Tony continues to decorate the walls of his home with letters from presidents, governors, fans, and followers, who have been lucky enough to have a little of his unique magic come their way; and,
WHEREAS, Tony took a bold approach to celebrating his 95th birthday by leading a pack of twenty-six Harley-Davidsons from Lee's Summit, which was his home for 26 years, to Grandview; and,
WHEREAS, Tony will end the birthday bash with a public celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 26, 2007; and,
WHEREAS, the proceeds from the birthday event will benefit the Tony DiPardo Music Foundation, which provides instruments and inspiration to high school musicians across the metro area; and,
WHEREAS, Tony's wonderful family, including his wife of 65 years, Doddie, his three children, Tony Jr., Jimmy, and Patti, his grandson, Michael, his grandson, Tony III and wife, Marcie, and his great-grandson, Zachary, will all celebrate this momentous occasion; and,
WHEREAS, in honor of his 95th birthday a Tony DiPardo bobble-head doll will be released featuring his famous "thumbs up" on one hand and his red horn in the other; and,
WHEREAS, Tony spends his days performing for civic groups, charitable events, and community functions and the weekends during football season playing his red trumpet on the bandstand at Arrowhead alongside his daughter, Patti DiPardo-Livergood, who has become the second generation band director; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby congratulates Tony DiPardo on his 95th birthday celebration and extends best wishes and sincere gratitude for his contributions to the Jackson County community.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution #16384 of August 20, 2007 was duly passed on August 20, 2007 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______9________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature