[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 162 (Friday, December 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. ISAAC GREGGS

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment and 
honor a man who has influenced the lives of so many students for more 
than 35 years.
  A band director since 1969, Dr. Isaac Greggs has taken the half time 
show for Southern University to a different level, electrifying 
audiences with the band's energetic and precise performances. However, 
these performances could not have happened without a lot of hard work. 
Dr. Greggs' practices are legendary for being gruelling, but they paid 
off in the end.
  In many ways, Dr. Greggs' practices are a metaphor for his life--when 
one demonstrates discipline and effort, one can succeed anywhere.
  This motto certainly proved true for Dr. Greggs' band. Under his 
direction, the band performed around the world, including for three 
United States Presidential inaugurations, four Sugar Bowls, and five 
Super Bowls. The band has also appeared at the Astro Dome, Superdome, 
Yankee Stadium, and the Oakland Stadium Coliseum. For six weeks, the 
band played at Radio City Music Hall, and they have also made 
appearances on television shows such as the Bob Hope Show, Jim Nabors 
Show, Almost Anything Goes Show, Perry Como Show, Henry, The Fonz, 
Winkler Show, and the Telly Savalas Show.
  In addition to the talent Dr. Greggs has brought as a band leader, he 
is also an accomplished musician and song writer and is the author of 
Southern University's fight song and alma mater. He is an honorary 
member of both Louisiana's House of Representatives and State Senate, 
and has won several major music festival awards for the marching 
division. Dr. Greggs has conducted honor bands throughout the country, 
and on behalf of Southern University he was presented with a special 
trophy by the National Football League for his band's outstanding 
performance at a Super Bowl.
  Dr. Greggs' leadership is not limited to the sporting field. As 
president of the Louisiana College Band Directors Association, founder 
and president of the Lakeside Music Mart and School of Music, and State 
Chairman of the L.I.A.L.O. Band Festival, Dr. Greggs has proved his 
leadership skills and shown his commitment to the arts.
  Dr. Greggs was presented with the Key of Life Award at the 31st NAACP 
Image Awards. The Key of Life Award was created in honor of musician 
Stevie Wonder and is presented to an individual or group who 
exemplifies Wonder's ``inner vision.'' The award also recognizes 
extraordinary achievements in the areas of civil rights, human rights, 
and community. It is clear through all of his career, Dr. Greggs 
exemplified these attributes.
  Dr. Greggs' power to move people through music is an amazing gift. If 
one is lucky in life, one improves the life of one's own children. 
However, Dr. Greggs has improved the lives of thousands and has left an 
indelible mark on African-American students and fans.

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