[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E85-E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              TRIBUTE TO MUSICIAN/COMPOSER GEORGE KATSAROS

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                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 11, 1995
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, we owe a great debt of gratitude to those 
ancient Greeks who forged the notion of democracy and thus gave us a 
blueprint for our own democratic heritage. We owe another debt of 
gratitude to a man who has been called the greatest Greek folk song 
composer and singer of the 20th century. It is that man, my good friend 
George Katsaros, for whom I rise today to pay tribute.
  Ironically, it was the promise of opportunity inherent in democracy 
that beckoned George to this country from the island of Amorgos in 1913 
at the age of 25. Stepping off a steamship at New York Harbor with all 
his belongings in one hand and his guitar in the other, George Katsaros 
began a musical career that continues even today. Within hours of his 
arrival he was accompanying a Salvation Army street band and was 
invited to stay on. Now, more than 80 years later, his strong, 
nostalgic, mellow voice and unique style on the guitar have been heard 
in every corner of the world: in ballrooms, hotel clubs, coffeehouses, 
concert halls, steamships, private yachts--anywhere people gather to 
hear their memories and dreams and experiences put to music and sung 
from the heart.
  Katsaros became so popular that in 1919 RCA Victor signed him as a 
recording artist. Contracts with Columbia and Decca followed, 
[[Page E86]] and soon many of his compositions became favorites in 
Greece and other places where Greek music is played. His popularity 
grew because people related to his songs about life in unfamiliar 
surroundings and in difficult times; songs about the comfort of family 
and friends; songs about the joy of hopes fulfilled.
  Now, even in his twilight years, George Katsaros still composes and 
performs. At 106 years of age he is immaculately dressed, his back 
straight, his eyes bright with ideas yet to be expressed. Accolades, 
such as his 1990 State of Florida Folk Life Heritage Award, or his 
selection as grand marshall of the 1994 Tarpon Springs Christmas 
parade, don't lull him into inactivity; they inspire him to continue 
on.
  Steve Frangos, in his 1992 study of the international Greek 
entertainment industry, noted that Katsaros merits recognition on a 
national level ``for his singular contributions not only to the ongoing 
development of Greek music but as one of the finest proponents of 
traditional ethnic music ever to perform in America.'' I am proud to 
call him a fellow American and a friend.


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