[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BARBARA McNAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2007

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
African American actress and singer, Barbara McNair, who passed away in 
January after a long battle with cancer. She was a trailblazer, who had 
a successful recording and acting career in an era when few African 
Americans, particularly African American women, could sustain 
themselves in Hollywood. Barbara was also my dear friend.
  Barbara McNair was one of the world's most stunningly dynamic, 
talented, and beautiful singers, who achieved international fame not 
only as a singer, but also as a movie, television, and Broadway star.
  At a young age, Barbara moved to New York where she supported herself 
with a secretarial job while auditioning off-hours at a variety of New 
York nightclubs. Persistence eventually paid off when Max Gordon, 
proprietor of one of the most famous jazz clubs in New York, The 
Village Vanguard, offered her a job. Soon after, her big break came 
when she was tagged for a stint on The Arthur Godfrey Show. Not much 
later, she appeared in shows at world famous nightclubs such as the 
Purple Onion and the Coconut Grove.
  Barbara quickly became one of the country's most popular headliners 
and a guest on The Steve Allen Show, Hullabaloo, The Bell Telephone 
Hours, and The Hollywood Palace. She also made guest appearances on 
popular television shows of the day, including Dr. Kildare, I Spy, 
Mission: Impossible, Hogan's Heroes, and McMillan and Wife. She hosted 
television's The Barbara McNair Show, a musical and comedy show in the 
late 1960s and early 1970s.
  Her movie credits include If He Hollers Let Him Go, playing opposite 
Raymond St. Jacques; They Call Me Mr. Tibbs, with Sydney Poitier; and 
Change of Habit, with Mary Tyler Moore and Elvis Presley in his last 
scripted movie role.
  Her Broadway credits include The Body Beautiful, No Strings, and a 
revival of The Pajama Game.
  Barbara McNair not only acted, but also had a successful recording 
career. Her recordings include Livin' End, I Enjoy Being a Girl, and 
The Ultimate Motown Collection.
  Barbara McNair had her share of tragedies and setbacks during her 
life of 72 years. But through it all, she continued to move forward. 
Her singular accomplishments as an actress and singer are to be admired 
and remembered.


    

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