[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 87 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6044-S6045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 34--RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN-
                             AMERICAN MUSIC

  Mr. SPECTER (for himself, Mr. Santorum, and Ms. Moseley-Braun) 
submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary.

                            S. Con. Res. 34

       Whereas artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, 
     educators, executives, and other professionals in the music 
     industry provide inspiration and leadership through their 
     creation of music, dissemination of educational information, 
     and financial contributions to charitable and community-based 
     organizations;
       Whereas African-American music is indigenous to the United 
     States and originates from African genres of music;
       Whereas African-American genres of music such as gospel, 
     blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, rap, and hip-hop have their 
     roots in the African-American experience;
       Whereas African-American music has a pervasive influence on 
     dance, fashion, language, art, literature, cinema, media, 
     advertisements, and other aspects of culture;
       Whereas the prominence of African-American music in the 
     20th century has reawakened interest in the legacy and 
     heritage of the art form of African-American music;
       Whereas African-American music embodies the strong presence 
     of, and significant contributions made by, African-Americans 
     in the music industry and society as a whole;
       Whereas the multibillion dollar Africa-American music 
     industry contributes greatly to the domestic and worldwide 
     economy; and
       Whereas African-American music has a positive impact on and 
     broad appeal to diverse groups, both nationally and 
     internationally: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes the importance of the contributions of 
     African-American music to global culture and the positive 
     impact of African-American music on global commerce; and
       (2) calls on the people of the United States to take the 
     opportunity to study, reflect on, and celebrate the majesty, 
     vitality, and importance of African-American music.

  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, this resolution, being cosponsored by my 
distinguished colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Santorum, and our 
distinguished colleague from Illinois, Senator Moseley-Braun, is a 
resolution to recognize the importance of African-American music to 
global culture and to our Nation.
  This is especially important because this month of June is celebrated 
as Black Music Month, and the designation is particularly important to 
the city of Philadelphia, which is the home of the International 
Association of African-American Music.
  At the conclusion of the Civil War, military band instruments were 
abundant and could be purchased for petty cash or labor. It was during 
this time that the first age of African-American music, Ragtime, was 
born, and when Eubie Blake composed his famous ``Charleston Rag.'' Jazz 
artists flourished later, including W.C. Handy, Duke Ellington, and 
Count Basie. Dozens of African-American female singers contributed 
their talents as well--among them Bessie Smith, followed by Ella 
Fitzgerald.
  Today, African-American music's universal popularity and appeal is 
evidenced through the appreciation of other cultures. Non-African-
American musical artists, such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and 
Bonnie Raitt, have cited African-American artists as inspiration for 
their own music. Globally, African-American music is appreciated for 
its impact on language, dance, art, and media, as well as social and 
cultural values.
  Its impact on our Nation's economy is just as great. The African-
American music industry supports and creates countless jobs worldwide, 
from publishing companies to concert and club venues to advertisers. 
The Recording Industry Association of America reports that, in 1995, 
combined sales of what it terms ``urban music''--including soul, dance, 
funk, and reggae--amounted to $1.4 billion. Furthermore, if jazz, 
gospel, and rap are combined--all genres in which there are significant 
African-American contributions--the total rises to nearly $3 billion.
  The work of Philadelphia's International Association of African-
American Music helps to share the virtues of African-American music 
with people around the world. This resolution recognizes the work of 
those who help foster understanding of African-American culture through 
music, including the generations of African-American musicians whose 
talents have enriched America.
  It is my hope that the Senate will adopt this resolution. A companion 
resolution has been introduced in the

[[Page S6045]]

House by Congressman Chaka Fattah and it has bipartisan support from 58 
House Members. In conclusion, I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in 
supporting this important recognition of African-American music.

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