[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 102 (Friday, June 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING OUTSTANDING AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSICIANS DURING BLACK MUSIC 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 22, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of African American musicians as we celebrate Black Music 
Month.
  Music has a deep historical significance to African Americans, who 
are truly the founders and keepers of American music. The roots of 
gospel and blues can be traced back to the slave plantations. During 
slavery, African Americans sang songs and clapped hands to communicate 
with one another and to uplift their spirits. The music helped to 
sustain enslaved people and provided an outlet to express their hopes 
and fears. During the Civil Rights Movement, African American musicians 
offered encouragement and hope for an America in which all people would 
be treated equally. By creating and popularizing gospel, blues, jazz, 
funk, disco, pop, and hip-hop, they have inspired and entertained 
people from all races around the world.
  I wish to thank President Carter, who in 1979 initiated the annual 
celebration of Black Music Month each June. Each succeeding president 
has continued to proclaim June as Black Music Month.
  Among the many talented and gifted African American musicians, who 
have inspired us in ways that transcended their music, I have 
introduced legislation in the 110th Congress to honor Lionel Hampton, 
Lena Horne, James Brown, and Ray Charles. Their commitment to uplifting 
America through song and activism has made them legendary.
  Lionel Hampton, an accomplished jazz musician, band leader, U.S. 
goodwill ambassador, became a musical icon in a career that spanned 
more than 50 years until his death in 2002. He composed more than 200 
pieces and was honored by President Clinton with the National Medal of 
Arts in 1996. The University of Idaho's music school and annual jazz 
festival are named in his honor.
  The extraordinary Lena Horne was not only a Broadway performer, world 
renowned singer, and actress, she was a steadfast civil rights 
activist. Putting her career on the line, she proudly spoke out against 
racial discrimination. As a result, she was blackballed.
  However, her hardship was not in vain because she has been a 
trailblazer and role model for aspiring African American entertainers. 
She was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. Her 
most recent album Seasons Of Life was released in January of 2006. She 
currently resides in New York and on June 30, 2007, will turn 90 years 
old.
  James Brown, the ``Godfather of Soul,'' who passed away in December 
of 2006, was a monumental influence on popular music in America and 
around the world. During the sixties, many of his songs were more than 
dance hits and became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement. His music 
instilled pride in African Americans as they were fighting for 
equality. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 
and was the recipient of the 34th Annual Grammy Lifetime Achievement 
Award in 1992.
  The phenomenal Ray Charles overcame blindness and personal problems 
to become one of America's most inspiring artists. His music advanced 
the civil rights movement and united Americans. He has been credited 
with singing the most popular rendition of America the Beautiful. His 
version of Georgia On My Mind was made an official Georgia state song 
and he was ranked number ten in 2004 for Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest 
Artist of All Times list. In that same year, he passed away. I 
introduced legislation to award him with a Congressional Gold Medal.
  These musical legends and many other African American musicians have 
contributed to American music and the nation's cultural identity around 
the world. I urge my colleagues to support legislation to honor them. I 
also urge my colleagues and people around the world to celebrate, 
honor, and cherish the contributions of African American musicians, 
especially during Black Music Month.

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