[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E435-E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MUSIC LEGEND PAT BOONE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a 
man, who has entertained millions in song and dance for more than two 
generations while giving of himself to help people in need all across 
the country.
  Pat Boone, a direct descendant of pioneer Daniel Boone, was the 
second most popular singer of the late 50s behind Elvis Presley and 
sold more than 45 million records. He is ranked as the No. 10 singles 
artist of all time, with a repertoire that exceeds those of Aretha 
Franklin, Billy Joel and Frank Sinatra. He also managed to finish his 
college degree, graduating magna cum laude from Columbia University in 
New York City in 1958.
  He was born Charles Eugene Boone in 1934 in Jacksonville, Florida, 
and moved with his family to Tennessee in 1936. Boone grew up in the 
Nashville, Tennessee area, where he began singing in public at the age 
of 10. While still in his teens, he married Shirley Foley in 1953, the 
daughter of country star Red Foley. Their marriage has endured to this 
day and they have four daughters: Cherry, Lindy, Debby and Laury.
  The following year in 1954, Boone recorded his first of four singles 
for the Republic label in Nashville and appeared on Arthur Godfrey's 
Talent Scouts and Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, winning both. A short while 
later Boone was signed to the Dot label, one that he would stay with 
throughout his run on the charts from 1955 to 1962. His first top-40 
song on the Billboard pop charts was Two Hearts, a cover of an R&B hit 
for The Charms, which went to No. 16 for Pat in 1955.
  Boone projected a smooth style and a clean-cut, wholesome all-
American image. His

[[Page E436]]

next offering was a cover of Fats Domino's Ain't That A Shame, a song 
that propelled both Fats and Boone to stardom. He followed with a cover 
version of El Dorados' At My Front Door, which quickly became his 
second record to teach the Top Ten.
  Boone had his own way of doing R&B songs. His formula worked and his 
records sold well. He took on Little Richard, recording Tutti Frutti 
and Long Tall Sally, both of which he made into big hits. By 1957 
Boone's popularity had skyrocketed and the movie and television 
producers came calling. He appeared in 15 films, including Bernardine, 
April Love, and State Fair. From 1957 to 1960 he hosted his own 
television series The Pat Boone/Chevy Showroom. His final top-40 song 
was a novelty record, Speedy Gonzalez in 1962 and it peaked at number 
six.
  Boone also had a number of country hits in the 70s, with singles 
Indiana Girl and Texas Woman and albums I Love You More And More Each 
Day and The Country Side Of Pat Boone. Pat has also been popular in the 
United Kingdom, where he had 27 records reach the top 40.
  Pat Boone has always been a man of deep, personal faith. Over and 
over again, he has acted on his faith to help other people.
  He should be recognized most of all for his self-sacrificing devotion 
to charity work and for simply carrying out God's call to love Him and 
to love others. Boone wrote a best-selling autobiography and dedicated 
the proceeds to establish a Christian college in Villanova, 
Pennsylvania. He has served as the national spokesman for the March of 
Dimes, National Association of the Blind and many other charities. 
Boone served for 18 years as the entertainment chairman and host of the 
National Easter Seal telethon, which raised over $600 million for 
handicapped and disabled children.
  Mr. Speaker, today I honor the great Pat Boone on behalf of the 
hundreds and hundreds of children whose lives have been made better 
through Bethel Bible Village children's home in my hometown of 
Chattanooga, TN. For 25 years, Pat has not just associated his name 
with Bethel Bible Village, but he has put his heart and soul into its 
success. Each year, for the past 25 years, he has sponsored their 
largest fundraiser, the Pat Boone Bethel Spectacular, which has raised 
over $1.3 million to help children in the Chattanooga area whose lives 
have been shattered by crime and troubled homes. Pat's involvement has 
brought national recognition to Bethel Bible Village, which has allowed 
them to expand their ministry exponentially. Pat Boone is a true friend 
to these children and his personal testimony has had such a positive 
influence on their lives.
  Pat Boone is a recording legend and humanitarian role model who 
understands that the true joy of giving occurs when one doesn't expect 
anything in return. Over his 40-year career as an entertainer, he has 
worn the hats of musician, actor, author, and radio host. His tireless 
commitment to helping others personifies the Biblical instruction that, 
``to whom so ever much is given, much is also required.''

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