[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1794-E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a man who has touched 
the lives of so many in my community of Nashville, as well as around 
the world, through his music and his commitment to sharing his talent 
with others.
  Matthew Kennedy was born in the segregated South in 1921, the son of 
a strict, school teacher mother and postal worker father. Only months 
after his birth, his father dies of a heart attack leaving his mother 
on her own to care for the family. Despite the challenges, Matthew's 
mother is determined that her young son and will be able to take 
``serious'' piano lessons with the town's white music teacher. The 
teacher agrees to lessons and in exchange Matthew and his cousin agree 
to clean her studio.
  Even at this very young age, Matthew's talent is evident. The famous 
Russian pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff comes to his hometown of Macon, 
Georgia and Matthew and his mother somehow get tickets to hear the 
master from the segregated balcony. Matthew says his life was changed 
by that experience forever. Soon, Matthew is heading to New York, 
having won a scholarship to continue his music studies at the Julliard 
School.
  While in New York he performs at Carnegie Hall and the Apollo 
Theatre. But before long he is on his way to Nashville. His Julliard 
teacher encourages him to return to the South to use his talents to 
help his people. Matthew arrives at Fisk University where he is 
welcomed by the director of the world-famous Fisk Jubilee Singers. He 
agrees to take on the role of piano accompanist for the Jubilee Singers 
and begins what will be a lifelong commitment to the school, the 
Jubilee Singers and his belief in the power of music.
  Matthew Kennedy served as the director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers 
from 1957 to 1985.

[[Page E1795]]

During that time, he traveled and performed with them in the world's 
most famous concert halls in Europe, South America, the Middle East and 
the Caribbean. He influenced the lives of hundreds of young students 
during those years, and inspired thousands who witnessed his 
performances and his musical direction.
  On this coming Monday evening, September 25, Matthew Kennedy will be 
honored at a special event at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. 
That evening Nashville will salute Dr. Kennedy at the premiere of a new 
documentary film that is a tribute and testimony to his accomplishments 
and talent. The film is directed by his daughter Nina, also a 
recognized pianist and filmmaker. It will be a special night for Dr. 
Kennedy and his family. But it will also be a special night for all 
Nashvillians and music lovers everywhere as we pause to celebrate the 
life of a truly gifted and generous artist and community leader.

                          ____________________