[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DR. O.C. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 19, the men's club of the 
City of Angeles Church will sponsor a roast of church pastor, Dr. O.C. 
Smith. Dr. Smith, better known to many as the multiple Grammy nominee 
and singer of the million seller standard, ``Little Green Apples,'' is 
the founder of the City of Angeles Church of Religious Science. In 
recognition of his numerous contributions to the church and to the Los 
Angeles community, and in appreciation of his lasting contributions to 
the music industry, I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize 
Dr. Smith today.
  Prior to embarking on his legendary musical career, O.C. attended and 
graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, earning a degree 
in psychology. Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force and 
Special Services, where as an entertainer he toured bases all over the 
world. Looking to break into the music business after his tour with the 
Air Force had ended, O.C. settled in New York City. During the winter 
months, he made the rounds in many of the small clubs in the city, 
giving nightly performances. In the summer months, he would travel to 
the renowned ``Borsch Belt'' hotels in the Catskills, where he 
entertained audiences with some of his most soulful hits.
  O.C.'s big break occurred when he learned that the great Count Basie 
was looking for a replacement for the legendary Joe Williams. O.C. was 
selected and for the next 3 years, he toured with the ``Count'' 
developing a huge, loyal following throughout the United States. He 
left Basie's orchestra to pursue a solo career and struck gold with his 
memorable hits of ``Little Green Apples,'' ``Hickory Holler's Tramp,'' 
and ``Daddy's Little Man.'' He sang the theme song from the motion 
pictures, ``The Learning Tree,'' and ``Shaft's Big Score.'' Other well 
known hits of his include ``Help Me Make It Through the Night,'' ``For 
the Good Times,'' ``That's Life,'' ``Don't Misunderstand,'' ``Dreams 
Come True,'' and ``What `Cha Gonna Do.''
  Several years into his highly successful musical career, Dr. Smith 
opted to redirect his career focus to the ministry. He felt a great 
need to assist humanity and with his background in psychology, 
determined that the ministry would be the perfect place to impact the 
lives of his fellow brothers and sisters. After years of studying the 
ministry, he emerged to found the City of Angeles Church of Religious 
Science in 1985. Shortly thereafter, he founded the Children's 
Charities and Scholarship Foundation, thereby fulfilling a lifetime 
commitment to creating a viable organization dedicated to helping 
children. In the ensuing years, the church and its foundation have made 
innumerable contributions to the Los Angeles community.
  Dr. O.C., as he is affectionately known by his congregation, 
continues to give concert performances and ministers to people 
throughout the world. Because of his commitment to humankind, he serves 
as a perfect role model for individuals--both young and old. I am proud 
to have this opportunity to commend him for his distinguished 
contributions to our society, and on behalf of the citizens of the 32d 
Congressional District, I salute him and wish him many more years of 
sweet, soulful music and fellowship as he continues to provide 
outstanding leadership as the spiritual head of the City of Angeles 
Church of Religious Science.

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