2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2149

Commending Teddy Riley.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 22, 2026

WHEREAS, Teddy Riley, the founder of Future Records Recording Studios in Virginia Beach who revolutionized contemporary music by pioneering New Jack Swing, a blend of hip hop, rhythm and blues, and pop, has influenced recording artists around the world; and

WHEREAS, Teddy Riley relocated from New York City to Virginia Beach in 1990, then opened the Future Records Recording Studios in the Thalia neighborhood; the facility quickly became a cultural landmark in the region and one of the premier recording studios on the East Coast, demonstrating that world-class music production could thrive in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Teddy Riley worked with numerous nationally and internationally renowned artists, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Heavy D, New Kids on the Block, and Tom Jones; and

WHEREAS, under Teddy Riley's leadership, Future Records Recording Studios became a gathering place for artists, producers, and aspiring musicians; he inspired local artists such as Missy Elliott and Timbaland and notably mentored Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who formed The Neptunes and became one of the most successful production teams in music history; and

WHEREAS, through Future Records Recording Studios, Teddy Riley contributed to the emergence of the region's unique musical sound and established Hampton Roads as a center for creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Teddy Riley hereby be commended for his achievements as the founder of Future Records Recording Studios and his contributions to contemporary music in Hampton Roads, the Commonwealth, and around the world; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Teddy Riley as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his enduring influence on music and service to the Hampton Roads community.