HJ647: Celebrating the life of Herbert Allen Dabney III.


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 647
Offered January 29, 2021
Celebrating the life of Herbert Allen Dabney III.

Patrons-- Carr (By Request), Adams, D.M., Bagby and McQuinn; Senator: Hashmi

WHEREAS, Herbert Allen Dabney III, a celebrated musician and beloved member of the Henrico County and Richmond communities, died on April 9, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Allen “Debo” Dabney III was a native of Manakin, graduating from Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond in 1969 and later majoring in music at Norfolk State University; and

WHEREAS, from a young age, Debo Dabney showed both an aptitude for and an interest in the piano, practicing relentlessly as he developed an eclectic repertoire that was inspired by his love for jazz, gospel, classical, rhythm and blues, swing, and other styles; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970s, Debo Dabney performed in the funk soul group Poison, appearing on the popular television program Soul Train and producing multiple albums with the group, such as “On Our Way to Number 1”; and

WHEREAS, over a career spanning more than a half-century, Debo Dabney played with innumerable musicians, including as part of the Afro-jazz group Oneness of Juju and several distinguished Richmond-based jazz ensembles; and

WHEREAS, Debo Dabney was a fixture in the local music scene and a mainstay at some of Richmond’s most cherished events, such as the 2nd Street Festival, the St. Elizabeth Jazz & Food Festival, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Dominion Energy Jazz Café events; and

WHEREAS, a steadfast supporter of the arts and other musicians, Debo Dabney served as music director for the Richmond Jazz Society, fostering engaging performances and educational programs to ensure the longevity of Richmond’s jazz scene; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his deep and abiding faith, Debo Dabney performed before Richmond-area congregations for many years, including 20 years as the music coordinator for Trinity Baptist Church and three years with Sixth Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Debo Dabney will be dearly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Celestine; his daughter, Sandra; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Herbert Allen Dabney III, a renowned virtuoso who touched countless lives throughout Richmond and Henrico County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Herbert Allen Dabney III as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.