[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 26 (Monday, February 12, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H1449-H1450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING STAX RECORDS FOR ENRICHING THE NATION'S CULTURAL LIFE WITH 
                          ``50 YEARS OF SOUL''

  (Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a resolution honoring 
Stax Records.
  Soul music is a uniquely American art form that has enriched the 
Nation's cultural life. Indeed, its profound influences over popular 
music continues to be heard on today's music.
  Stax Records, founded in Memphis 50 years ago, played a crucial role 
in soul music's rise to prominence. As such, it is an icon of the 
American recording industry. In fact, its iconic status was recognized 
by NARAS last night during the Grammys, when Stax legends Booker T. and 
the M.G.'s and their Green Onions, and Stax co-founder Estelle Axton 
were honored.

[[Page H1450]]

  Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett, Luther 
Ingram, Albert King, the Bar-Kays, Johnnie Taylor, and Rufus and Carla 
Thomas are just a few of the many singers and musicians who started at 
Stax.
  This year, the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Concord Music 
Group, Stax Records, and the Soulful Foundation will be celebrating 
both Memphis soul music, American soul music, and the 50th anniversary 
of Stax's founding. Therefore, I am introducing this resolution today 
to recognize Stax's and soul music's enormous contribution to America's 
cultural fabric, and ask my colleagues, including Congressman Miller, 
to recognize Memphis and soul music.

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