[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 101 (Friday, July 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MINISTER O'LANDA DRAPER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HAROLD E. FORD, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 23, 1998

  Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the memory of 
international--acclaimed gospel music recording artist Minister O'landa 
Draper, whose recent death at the age of thirty-four has marked a 
tragic loss for the city of Memphis, Tennessee, the music industry, and 
humankind.
  The growth and evolution of this twentieth century psalmist has its 
roots in the richest tradition of Memphis music. O'landa Draper's 
phenomenal musical talents were recognized by his mother, Marie Draper, 
and others early in his childhood. In order to prepare for what he knew 
to be his calling in life, O'landa studies at Overton Performing Arts 
High under the director of his mentor, Ms. Lula Hedgemon. It was here 
that he first directed and led a choir, a skill which he continued to 
develop at the University of Memphis, directing the University's Gospel 
Choir. At the age of twenty-two with these experiences, O'landa set out 
on his own and formed a twelve member gospel choir known as ``O'landa 
Draper and the Associates.''
  From that point, O'landa Draper's reputation as an innovative 
arranger, composer, and musician catapulted him into the heights of the 
gospel music industry. Most notably, his demonstrative, energetic 
method of choir direction became a signature style which changed the 
face of the musical genre of contemporary Gospel.
  ``O'landa Draper and the Associates'' played a significant role in 
the development of a creative revival of the gospel music industry. The 
heightened exposure and renewed appeal of gospel music attracted a new 
generation of fans. Minister Draper was a five-time Grammy nominee and 
a Dove, Vision, and Stellar award winner. A member of he Board of 
Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, 
Minister Draper performed for Presidents Carter, Bush, and Clinton, and 
for the 1994 Grammy Awards show. Some of the most esteemed members of 
the gospel and secular music industries recorded and performed with 
Minister Draper because of his dynamism, excellence and creativity. 
With only six albums to their credit, ``O'landa Draper and the 
Associates'' has already set an international standard for gospel music 
choirs.
  O'landa's is a message of love, that defined the invigorating life of 
this ordained Church of God in Christ minister. His efforts to reach 
out to the distressed communities of this nation were evidenced by his 
support for AIDS victims and teenage mothers. His humanitarianism shown 
brightly with his established scholarship fund and financial support of 
homeless shelters. His love of God illuminated the lives of many as he 
shared the beautiful precepts of faith and hope through the wondrous 
gift of song.
  His voice has now joined the heavenly choir to sing before the throne 
of our God forever, in that place where trouble shall cease and joy 
shall have no end.
  For his life and magnanimous contributions to the community, Mr. 
Speaker, I would ask you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join with me in honoring the memory of this champion 
of God's crusade Minister O'landa Draper.

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