[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 112 (Wednesday, September 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING PHIL RAMONE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the 
incredible philanthropy and achievement of Phil Ramone. On September 
24th Mr. Ramone will be awarded the Michael Bolton Charities Lifetime 
Achievement Award. Michael Bolton Charities, Inc. was established in 
1993 to assist children and women at risk from the effects of poverty, 
homelessness, domestic violence, and physical and sexual abuse. Mr. 
Ramone's indefatigable generosity has enhanced the lives of countless 
women and children around the world for over three decades. This honor 
stands as a testament to Mr. Ramone's selfless acts which reflect his 
inherent benevolence and vision of life.
  Throughout his remarkable career Mr. Ramone has produced award 
winning works by some of the world's most talented recording artists. 
His genius embraces all aspects of the entertainment business, working 
brilliantly in both the technical and creative sides of the industry. 
Mr. Ramone is one of the recording industry's most well respected and 
prolific producers with a resume so vast and encompassing that his 
peers have deified him as the undisputed ``Pope of Pop.'' Mr. Ramone 
has produced galas for several U.S. Presidents and has been the driving 
force behind megastars such as: Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, 
Barbara Streisand, Madonna, B.B. King, Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Jon 
Secada, Fito Paez, Sinead O'Connor and Paul McCartney to name a few. 
Phil Ramone is invaluable to the artists he works with, such as Michael 
Bolton, and is an eight time Grammy Award winner, including Producer of 
the Year. As Chairman Emeritus of the National Academy of Recording 
Arts and Sciences, he is recognized by his peers as the most 
transcendent audio technician and stylistic creator in the music 
industry today. His grasp of technology revolutionized the recording 
studio with his first use of the Dolby four-track discrete sound 
system, satellite links, optical surround sound, fiber optic systems, 
and digital live recording.
  In addition to all of these accomplishments and accolades, Mr. Ramone 
possesses a kindness and humility that make him one of the recording 
industry's most profound humanitarians. Since his earliest success Mr. 
Ramone's charitable commitment has helped children living in poverty 
around the world improve their education and their lives. It is with 
great respect and appreciation that we acknowledge Mr. Ramone's 
lifetime charitable achievements and his exemplary character on 
September 24. I commend Michael Bolton Charities, Inc., for their 
recognition of Phil Ramone's lifelong contributions to both music and 
humankind.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing gratitude to Grammy winner 
Michael Bolton for his steadfast efforts to educate the Congress on the 
need to assist women and children at risk from the dangerous effects of 
poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and physical and sexual 
abuse. With programs that foster self esteem, leadership skills, job 
training, and social awareness his charity provides the access and 
education that underprivileged women and children need for a better 
life.
  Phil Ramone has a positive outlook and steadfast commitment to a 
better future for all our children when he notes that, ``Our kids won't 
even think about virtual reality--it will be a regular part of their 
lives. Sometimes it's just so obvious to me, the future. It shows its 
face to me ever so often and then I say, `Oh, of course. Why shouldn't 
we do this . . .' It's like an inner vision that lets you understand 
that there's something better, more beautiful just ahead.'' Thank you, 
Phil Ramone.

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