[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E72-E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF CLARENCE ``SONNY'' KENNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to pay tribute to 
an American Jazz legend, Mr. Clarence ``Sonny'' Kenner. Regrettably, 
Mr. Kenner died earlier this month, but his inspiring music will live 
on for generations to come.
  His standing room only celebration in Kansas City January 29 began 
with a two hour ``Jam Session'' where local musicians who had played 
with Sonny over the past 50 years shared his favorites, such as ``Sunny 
Side of the Street.'' His fellow musicians said Sonny was all about 
sharing when he played. It was love he was sharing--his love through 
music. An example of Sonny's love for music was his appearance earlier 
this year at The Levee where he ``jammed'' with fellow artists while 
battling his health issues.
  In his eulogy, Reverend Sam Mann of Saint Mark's Church spoke from 
the Book of Numbers in the Bible, Chapter 6, verses 24 to 26

[[Page E73]]

referring to Sonny's sweet face and the scripture's message: ``. . . 
the Lord make his face to shine upon you . . . lift up his countenance 
upon you and give you peace.'' Rev. Mann said, ``Whenever you saw 
Sonny's face, his countenance was one of purity, graciousness, and 
peace, his face would shine.'' Sonny's face revealed his innermost 
insight and when he met persons, he looked at them ``face to face.''
  We all will remember Sonny for his musical genius and his 
contributions to the music industry. Some of his works include writing, 
arranging, conducting, and producing, ``Never Give Up On Love,'' and 
``Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.'' His last CD titled ``Peace, Love, and 
Happiness'' embodies his life and willingness to give back to others, 
especially our children. Sonny, a loving and caring human being who 
always looked at life with smiling eyes. I will remember him as a true 
humanitarian who championed a cause very dear to my heart, music 
education. He spent countless hours in schools throughout our community 
inspiring the next generation of music greats.
  He toured throughout the country allowing his gifts to enrich the 
lives of others. He attained a national following from engagements at 
venues which included the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, the Apollo 
Theater in New York, Bop City in San Francisco, and prestigious 
settings in Baltimore, Washington, DC, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and 
with the U.S. Armed Services 8th Division Band in Germany. He appeared 
and recorded with world renowned artists such as Sam Cooke, Quincy 
Jones, Mahalia Jackson, Big Joe Turner, and Jay McShann to name a few. 
Whether it was jazz, classical, or rock, Sonny Kenner's recordings and 
performances were widely recognized and enjoyed.
  In addition to his own six children, he was loved by the children of 
Kansas City because as his daughter said, ``Sonny was Love to them.'' 
He was all about love. He was all about sharing. When he played, it was 
love he was sharing through his music. He leaves behind a legacy of 
unmatched talent and service to the music industry, to Kansas City, and 
to the hearts of all who knew him.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating a great musician and great 
humanitarian who will be remembered by music lovers, friends, and fans 
everywhere for the warmth of his smile shining from the ``Sonny side of 
the street.'' His jam sessions at The Levee have ended, but he's 
puttin' it together for the artists when they join him in his new gig.

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