[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 97 (Friday, June 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO LARRY CARLTON

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
guitarist and an exceptional musician Mr. Larry Carlton. Larry 
Carlton's own musical story began in southern California. He picked up 
his first guitar at the age of six. He was introduced to jazz in junior 
high school. Saxophonist John Coltrane was a major influence on 
Carlton, beginning with Coltrane's 1962 classic ``Ballads.''
  Larry Carlton recorded his first album in 1968, ``With a Little Help 
From my Friends.'' The enthusiastic industry response garnered him a 
place among jingle singers. He also recorded on camera and recorded 
radio commercials for Ford. Mid-season in his second year; he segued to 
musical director for ``Mrs. Alphabet,'' an Emmy-nominated children's 
show. It was here Carlton showcased his acting skills, performing as 
the show's co-star, ``Larry Guitar.''
  Larry Carlton performed with the world renowned Crusaders on 12 of 
their albums, often contributing material. He released his second solo 
project in 1973 on Blue Thumb Records. Larry Carlton's demand as a 
session player was now at its zenith, he was constantly featured with 
stars from every imaginable genre. Among them: Sammy Davis, Jr.; Herb 
Alpert; Quincy Jones; Paul Anka; Michael Jackson; John Lennon; Jerry 
Garcia; and Dolly Parton.
  Larry Carlton was approached by the newly formed MCA Master Series 
label in 1985 for consideration of recording an acoustic jazz album. 
His first release for the new label was ``Alone.'' The 12 months of 
1987 brought some of the biggest highlights in his solo career. 
However, while working on his next album for MCA, Carlton was a victim 
of random gun violence and was shot in the throat by gun-wielding 
juveniles outside his private studio near Burbank, California. The 
bullet shattered his vocal cords and caused significant nerve trauma, 
but through intensive therapy and a positive frame of mind, he 
completed his work on his ``On Solid Ground'' album in 1989.
  Madam Speaker, through all of this adversity, Larry Carlton continues 
to grace us with his gift of music. I would like to recognize him for 
his accomplishments and achievements which are far too numerous to 
mention today.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
this wonderfully gifted musician.

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