[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1736-E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A SALUTE TO DR. BILLY TAYLOR, ONE OF THE GREATEST MUSICIANS OF JAZZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 1998

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. Billy Taylor--one 
of the greatest pianists ever, who has touched the lives of many

[[Page E1737]]

during his fifty years plus in jazz, not only as a pianist, composer, 
author, activist, teacher, lecturer, and actor, but also as a radio and 
television personality. Though Dr. Billy Taylor is seventy-seven years 
old, he's more than young at heart. His current schedule is chock full 
of performances while he also serves on the faculty at the University 
of Massachusetts, where he received one of fifteen other honorary 
doctorates. His series Jazz at the Kennedy Center, an ongoing series of 
demonstrations-discussions of the history of jazz, is wonderful. He 
hosts intimate sessions of performance and conversation which enables 
participants to gain insight into jazz by hearing the music, memories 
and unique philosophies of some of the greatest musicians jazz has 
produced.
  In 1971, Billy Taylor became the first African American to lead a 
band on a talk show when he fronted an ensemble of all-stars on the 
David Frost Show for four years. I know from personal experience, that 
aside from being a stupendous musician, he's also an incredible human 
being. He has great respect for other people, and has a wonderful aura 
of niceness and gentility.
  Dr. Taylor founded Jazzmobile, which brings free performances to 
hundreds of thousands of people. His awards include two Peabodys, an 
Emmy, and the first Certificate of Recognition given by the U.S. 
Congressional Arts Caucus and it is with immense pleasure that in this 
tribute I join the ranks of those saluting the great Dr. Billy Taylor.

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