[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 27 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S1785]]
               RECOGNITION OF THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR

 Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and pay 
tribute to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in recognition of their 4,000th 
broadcast of ``Music and the Spoken Word.'' This is the longest 
continuous broadcast on network radio and television in the history of 
our country.
  ``Music and the Spoken Word'' first aired on July 15, 1929, using a 
single microphone for the organ, choir, and announcer. The first signal 
was given to the announcer and he began: ``From the crossroads of the 
West, we welcome you to a program of inspirational music and spoken 
word.'' Now more than 75 years and 4,000 broadcasts later, those same 
words are spoken each week to start the broadcast on more than 2,000 
radio and television stations and cable systems.
  ``Music and the Spoken Word'' is the hallmark program of a choir that 
had very humble beginnings. The choir first began practicing and 
performing in an adobe building. It was accompanied by an organ that 
was shipped from Australia to California and then pulled by 12 mules 
across rugged terrain to Salt Lake City. This choir has definitely come 
a long way.
  The list of accomplishments and honors the choir has accumulated is 
legendary and well deserving including Grammy and Emmy Awards, five 
gold records and two platinum records, induction into the National 
Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, two Freedom Foundation 
Awards, and the National Medal of Arts. In addition, the choir has 
performed in 28 countries and 71 foreign cities for millions of people.
  The choir is truly ``America's choir'' as so aptly described by 
President Ronald Reagan. Members have sung for every President of the 
United States beginning with President William Howard Taft. The choir 
has also performed at several Presidential inaugurations, including 
that of our current President George W. Bush, and in arenas and concert 
halls throughout America. The choir first made history when it 
participated in an experiment with Dr. Harvey Fletcher of Bell 
Telephone Laboratories in the first recording of his newly developed 
stereophonic, or multiple-track process. This was later demonstrated in 
1940 at Carnegie Hall.
  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is comprised of 360 singers who are 
accompanied by an orchestra of 110 musicians--all volunteers. Choir 
members come from all walks of life and range in age from 25 to 60. 
They practice and perform weekly, and all share a love for music, 
faith, and service. The perfect blending of magical voices with the 
accompaniment of supremely talented musicians has provided inspiration 
and solace to millions and left a lasting imprint on souls throughout 
the globe. Choir members willingly give of their time and talents each 
week to brighten the lives of others.
  Perhaps the most popular and requested song of the choir is its 
rendition of ``The Battle Hymn of the Republic.'' The choir first 
recorded this in 1959 with the Philadelphia Orchestra and received a 
Grammy Award for its performance. You cannot listen to the choir sing 
this powerful song without feeling to the depth of your soul its 
majesty and power. It has stirred feelings of patriotism and love for 
America among audience members in every corner of our nation.
  As you can see, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is an extraordinary 
organization. Its members are wonderful Americans who voluntarily share 
their talents for the betterment of our society. Sir Thomas Beecham 
once said, ``Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility 
and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the 
memory.'' I truly believe this choir has been creating magical music 
that will leave a lasting imprint on the fabric of America forever. I 
congratulate all of the staff, directors, and members of the Mormon 
Tabernacle Choir once again on their 4,000th broadcast and wish them 
continued success and majesty for many more years. May God bless the 
Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

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