[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 152 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2322-E2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE VOCAL GROUP HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vocal Group Hall of 
Fame & Museum on their inaugural induction of the first class of vocal 
ensembles. They are a diverse group of performers that have enriched 
our lives with their influential music and unmistakable talent.
  Opening its doors in May 1998, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame & Museum 
was presented as a multimillion dollar facility, featuring exhibits and 
memorabilia of many of the best-

[[Page E2323]]

known-close-harmony ensembles in music history. It also includes 
historical exhibits tracing the history of American vocal harmony from 
its roots in the Nineteenth Century and the history of musical 
recording technology, as well as an operating radio station for remote 
broadcasters by guest stations.
  With the help of Goldmine Magazine, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame 
elected a dynamic class of inductees this year. The initial class 
includes: the Ames Brothers, The Andrews Sisters, The Beach Boys, 
Crosby, Stills, and Nash, the Drifters, the Manhattan Transfer, the 
Platters, and the legendary Supremes. These groups graced us with their 
catchy melodies and unforgettable songs that have stood the test of 
time.
  But the Vocal Group Hall of Fame also realized the importance of the 
groups that influenced this class of inductees by giving them the 
Pioneers of Musical Style Award. This award was given to groups prior 
to 1940 who contributed to the foundations of American vocal harmony 
and substantially influenced other artists. This year, they included: 
the Boswell Sisters, The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, the Golden 
Gate Quartet, the Mills Brothers, the Ravens, and the Sonny Til and the 
Orioles.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating these music 
groups for their induction in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame & Museum. 
This institution has made it possible for us to honor and preserve the 
pioneers that have influenced the music we know today.

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