[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 128 (Friday, October 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1781-E1782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING AHMAD ALAADEEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Missouri Humanities Council's selection of the recipients for the 2000 
Governor's Humanities Awards. Mr. Ahmad Alaadeen, a prominent recording 
artist in my district, is the recipient of the Community Heritage Award 
for his dedication to his Kansas City Jazz heritage.
  Since 1917, Kansas City musicians have fostered and developed the 
well known sounds of blues, bebop and swing. Ahmad Alaadeen was born in 
1934 and raised in the historic 18th and Vine Music District. In his 
youth he cultivated a love for the music that resinated from the Mutual 
Musicians Foundation. The distinctive sounds of Jazz Masters like 
Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Jay McShann became part of the persona 
of Alaadeen's saxophone playing.
  The music industry has recognized Mr. Alaadeen for his award winning 
compositions and fellow musicians have christened him ``Professor.'' 
Many refer to him as the reigning master of Kansas City music. In the 
1970's he became aware that Kansas City Jazz was becoming stagnant. In 
an effort to revitalize and perpetuate the sound of Kansas City jazz he 
developed a mentor program. The program provides apprentice musicians 
the opportunity to perform with his band as paid professionals while 
developing their own unique style. He encourages local and visiting 
jazz masters to do the same. One of his goals is to develop an 
individual into a musician as opposed to a programmed performer. Young 
musicians who are exposed to his talents gain an intense understanding 
of jazz. His work is paying dividends in the development of talented 
musicians like Logan Richardson, Tim Whitmer, Gerald Dunn and Charles 
Perkins.
  Mr. Alaadeen developed an historical documentary of video and audio 
recordings to share the story of the originators and continuing 
evolution of Kansas City Jazz. The first audio release, ``Tradn' 4's,'' 
featured the originators of the Kansas City style with music from many 
of the pioneers of jazz including Henry Hoard, Wallace Jones, Pearl 
Thuston. ``On the Cusp,'' was the first video produced by Alaadeen 
Enterprises Inc. and focused on his generation, known as the transition 
generation. The video showcases the generation

[[Page E1782]]

who mastered the jazz sound by learning the trade orally. The video 
features the music and style of Luqman Hamza, the late Frank Smith, 
Sonny Kenner, Russ Long and Ahmad Alaadeen.
  Mr. Alaadeen is the present Chairman of the Mutual Musicians 
Foundation. The Foundation is known for its commitment to the promotion 
and development of Kansas City Jazz. Music enthusiast love the late 
night jam sessions that swing with today's jazz masters. Musicians like 
Jay McShann, Claude ``Fiddler'' Williams and Pat Metheny are favorite 
sons in Kansas City. Mr. Alaadeen's concerts provide an educational 
musical experience that fosters appreciation and enlightens the 
listener.
  Inscribed on the wall of the Kansas City High School for the Arts is 
a quotation from Mr. Alaadeen. It reads, ``Jazz does not belong to one 
race or culture, but is a gift America has given the world.''
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the man who has 
revitalized our music community and introduced a new generation to the 
sweet sounds of Kansas City Jazz. The great state of Missouri 
understands the importance of his humanitarian efforts and 
distinguishes his effort by presenting him with the Governor's 2000 
Community Heritage Award.

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