[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 103 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A SALUTE TO JON HENDRICKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2000

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I honor on behalf of the Congressional 
Black Caucus and salute the lifetime achievements of one of the most 
important artists in American music history. Jazz vocalist and lyricist 
extraordinary, Jon Hendricks is widely regarded as the ``Father of 
Vocalese,'' a unique singing style characterized by the addition of 
lyrics to complex jazz arrangements. Hendricks' impressive body of work 
has influenced jazz vocalists for decades. He is an ``American 
original,'' deserving of recognition by the Congress of the United 
States.
  Born in Newark, OH, in 1921, Jon Hendricks began his career as an 
entertainer singing in the choir of the church where his father served 
as pastor. He later began singing professionally in nightclubs around 
Toledo, OH, where his family moved and he grew up. His accompanist for 
two years was pianist Art Tatum, who, himself, went on to achieve great 
renown.
  After service in the Army, Jon Hendricks returned home and studied 
law at the University of Toledo. One night, Hendricks was sitting in 
with legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker. Parker told him to give up 
law, come to New York City, and pursue work as a jazz singer. Two years 
later, Jon Hendricks did just that. He found Parker playing at an 
engagement in Harlem, and almost fainted when Parker invited him up on 
the bandstand to sing.
  In addition to singing, Hendricks sought work in New York as a 
songwriter. His first chance to record his own material came when King 
Pleasure invited Hendricks to write lyrics to his version of ``Little 
Boy, Don't Get Scared.'' Hendricks subsequently developed into one of 
the greatest jazz lyricists, having authored the words to such jazz 
standards as ``Doodlin,'' ``Tickle Toe,'' ``Cloudburst,'' and ``Yeh 
Yeh.'' During the course of his career, he has composed lyrics for 
music written by such jazz giants as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, 
Thelonius Monk, Sonny Rollins, and many others.
  In the late 50s, Jon Hendricks joined Annie Ross and Dave Lambert to 
form the groundbreaking jazz vocal trio known as Lambert, Hendricks, 
and Ross. The group quickly gained fame, winning an award in Down 
Beat's 1959 Poll. Hendricks wrote lyrics to many of the jazz standards 
that were performed by the group. A trademark of his work is that each 
song's lyrics constitute a fully realized story. For this, he earned 
the nickname ``the James Joyce of Jive.''
  Jon Hendricks has recorded numerous albums during his career, the 
latest being ``Boppin' at the Blue Note,'' released in 1995. On that 
particular recording, he is accompanied by a vocal ensemble that 
includes his wife, Judith, their daughters Michele and Aria, and Kevin 
Burke.
  At 79, Hendricks continues to actively pursue his recording and 
performing career. He has been called ``The Poet Laureate of Jazz'' and 
``The James Joyce of Jive.'' Among his honors are the Grammy Award, as 
well as Emmy and Peabody Awards for his work on the CBS-TV documentary, 
``Somewhere to Lay My Weary Head.'' Congressman Conyers, along with 
ASCAP, will bestow special awards upon Mr. Hendricks during a brief 
ceremony during the concert.
  Last year, Hendricks received an honorary Doctor of Performing Arts 
degree from the University of Toledo. He was also named Distinguished 
Professor of Jazz Studies and has just begun teaching classes at the 
university.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present to this body the accomplishments 
of Jon Hendricks, a musical genius whose songs we all have come to 
enjoy.

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