[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT LOCKWOOD, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in joyful remembrance of the 
life and work of Robert Lockwood, Jr., a giant of Delta blues, whose 
music and spirit will leave a lasting legacy in Cleveland, his hometown 
since 1961.
  Born in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, Robert Lockwood, Jr., began playing 
the guitar at the age of 11. Under the tutelage of master bluesman 
Robert Johnson, Lockwood was playing professionally by the age of 15.
  Over time, Lockwood developed a unique musical style of his own, 
going beyond the Mississippi Delta Blues he mastered as a youth. Two of 
his albums, ``I Got to Find Me a Woman'' and ``Delta Crossroads'' were 
nominated for Grammy Awards. He is the recipient of numerous honors, 
including the National Heritage Fellowship presented to him by Hillary 
Clinton in 1995, two National Blues Music Awards from the Blues 
Foundation, induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, and honorary 
doctorates from Case Western Reserve and Cleveland State Universities.
  Home of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland's diverse cultural 
community thrives on music and art. Robert was a regular performer for 
years in the popular Fat Fish Blue, a blues-themed restaurant and bar 
in Cleveland, and in venues all over the city. Robert's infectious 
music and hypnotic finger-picking has left an indelible stamp on 
Cleveland as well as a whole musical genre.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory and 
legacy of Robert Lockwood, Jr., protege to Robert Johnson, mentor to 
B.B. King, and entertainer to generations of fans. His soulful blues 
and personality will live on in our hearts.

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