[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 91 (Thursday, July 14, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              MS. JESSIE CONROW TURNS 100 ON JULY 16, 1994

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                            HON. PETE GEREN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 1994

  Mr. PETE GEREN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, born on July 16, 1894 in 
Pindars Corners, NY, Jessie Marguerite Burdick is today remembered by 
her grandson, singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, as the woman who 
inspired him to pursue a life in music. The song ``The Gift,'' from 
Walker's 24th and latest recording album, ``Viva Luckenbach!'', is 
dedicated to her and recounts how her gift of a guitar to him for his 
13th birthday inspired a lifetime love of music.
  First taught chords on a piano by her mother, Ms. Conrow went on to 
master not only the guitar, but the fiddle as well. In later years she 
and her husband organized a band which entertained at square dances, 
barn dances and other social events in their part of the Catskills. 
Both became musically active in the Grange as well and she was voted 
Granger of the Year in 1981.
  Grandma Jessie, as she is known to her descendants, married Clyde 
Conrow in 1918. Soon thereafter, the couple gave birth to two children, 
Alma and Norma. It is Alma Crosby's, nee' Burdick, son, Ron who adopted 
the name Jerry Jeff Walker when he began a performing career in the 
late 1960's. Walker, who has a worldwide following and counts President 
Clinton as one of his biggest fans, is today best known as the author 
of the pop music standard, ``Mr. Bojangles.''
  Today, Ms. Conrow can look down a long line of children, grand-
children, and great-grandchildren stretching from upstate New York to 
Texas. Jerry Jeff and Susan Walker's daughter, Jessie Jane, carries on 
by name a century-old legacy.
  As for Ms. Conrow herself, she is still active in carrying for the 
disadvantaged elderly at the Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta. At age 100, 
she continues to set a standard for generations of descendants and it 
is our privilege to honor her here today.

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