[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E281-E282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING BEAUSOLEIL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 1998

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I would like for my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating BeauSoleil on capturing a Grammy Award for Best 
Traditional Folk Recording.
  BeauSoleil's talented group featuring Michael Doucet, David Doucet, 
Jimmy Breaux, Al Tharp, Billy Ware, and Tommy Alesi have contributed 
greatly to the spread of Cajun music not only in my state of Louisiana 
but throughout the country and indeed the world. Since 1975, BeauSoleil 
has succeeded in preserving the authentic Cajun music that we are so 
proud of in Louisiana and in doing so, shared our rich history far 
beyond our famous bayous with others. I think a Los Angeles Times 
article put it best by stating that ``even as BeauSoleil stretches the 
basic Cajun sound and pushes at musical boundaries, it never veers far 
from the crucial values of family, friendship and community that have 
kept the

[[Page E282]]

Cajun people and culture alive for 400 years.'' It is only fitting that 
they now are honored by the Grammy's for such a profound work like 
``L'Amour ou la Folie (Love or Folly)'' which embodies a diverse 
cultural blend of Cajun and Creole classics, blues, South Louisiana 
swamp-pop, New Orleans jazz, and Afro-Caribbean material. This 
prestigious award along with six prior Grammy nominations recognizes 
bandleader Michael Doucet's commitment to spreading the ``joie de 
vivre'' Louisianians find in our music while keeping the traditions of 
our culture alive for everyone to cherish.
  Furthermore, Mr. Speaker I am proud to add that BeauSoleil was not 
the only band to be nominated by the Grammies from my Congressional 
District. Mr. Jo-El Sonnier and the Hackberry Ramblers were among the 
elite musicians to receive this special honor as well. Mr. Jo-El 
Sonnier's ``Cajun Pride'' and the Hackberry Ramblers' ``Deep Water'' 
were both nominated for the Best Traditional Folk Recording. I am 
extremely proud of these nominees who have shared long, fruitful 
careers in the entertainment industry and extend my deepest 
appreciation for their celebrating the musical treasures indigenous to 
our state for so many years.
  In conclusion, let me join with my fellow Louisianians in 
congratulating these talented musicians on their outstanding 
achievements as we are fortunate to have such great Ambassadors of our 
music and culture.

                          ____________________