[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E961-E962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JAKE STOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 16, 1997

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
man who blessed this world with his music. Jake Stock, who for more 
than 50 years was a permanent fixture on the American jazz scene, died 
recently at the age of 86. He will be remembered by all those whom he 
touched with his sax and song.
  Born in Savannah, GA, on July 10, 1910, and having lived an exciting 
life since, Mr. Stock moved to Monterey in my congressional district 
from Los Angeles in 1938 with his wife, Grace. He quickly started 
making music. Offered a job at the Oasis Club in Salinas, Mr. Stock 
assembled his prized Abalone Stompers, a jazz ensemble that entertained 
thousands for decades to come. The group, composed of anywhere from 5 
to 15 players, performed in a variety of festivals and clubs throughout 
California and the west coast. In 1958, they opened the Monterey Jazz 
Festival and shared the stage with Dizzie Gillespie and Louie 
Armstrong.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Stock was the recipient of numerous 
honors. The inspiration for famed central coast author John Steinbeck's 
``Sweet Thursday,'' he was named Citizen of the Year by Monterey's 
Parade of Nations in 1982. Mr. Stock was also honored by Monterey's 
Pacheco and Paisano clubs with a dinner called the ``Jake Bake.'' Until 
recently, he was a featured Sunday played at Big Sur's River Inn.
  He is survived by four sons: Jay of Pasadena; Phil of Murphys; 
Jackson of Los Angeles and Peter of Portland; three daughters: Judy 
Cooper of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Katy Stock of Carmel and Sally Beckett 
of Carlsbad; his brother, Morgan Stock of Monterey and five 
grandchildren.

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