[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S2127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN TRIBUTE TO BYRON JANIS

   Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 
accomplishments and inspirational life of Byron Janis as he approaches 
his 80th birthday later this month.
  I learned about Mr. Janis's upcoming milestone from his good friend 
Dick Thornburgh, the former Attorney General of the United States. Mr. 
Thornburgh was a key advocate during the administration of George 
Herbert Walker Bush for enactment of the Americans with Disabilities 
Act, ADA, and I was proud to be the chief sponsor of the ADA in the 
Senate.
  A Pennsylvania native, Mr. Janis is renowned as one of the world's 
most talented concert pianists. In addition, his perseverance is a 
source of inspiration to countless Americans. By the age of 20, his 
virtuosity at the piano was so extraordinary that he performed a sold 
out debut at New York's famed Carnegie Hall.
  Later, Mr. Janis was chosen to be the first individual to represent 
the United States in a cultural exchange with the Soviet Union. 
Remarking on this mission, The New York Times wrote that ``if music 
could replace international politics, Byron Janis could consider 
himself an ambassador.''
  In the decades since, Byron Janis has dazzled audiences worldwide. He 
has performed for numerous U.S. Presidents, and has been honored with 
countless awards from around the globe.
  However, perhaps Byron Janis's greatest contribution to America lies 
not in his musical talent but rather in the example he has set of an 
individual responding to adversity with grace and courage, and with a 
truly indomitable spirit.
  In 1973, he was diagnosed with arthritis in his hands and wrists, 
which could have ended his career as a pianist. But Mr. Janis refused 
to be stymied or stopped. As he put it, ``I have arthritis--it doesn't 
have me.''
  He continued to play for 12 years before disclosing his arthritis at 
a White House performance. That same day, Mr. Janis assumed the role of 
Ambassador for the Arts for the Arthritis Foundation.
  Through his continued performances and other appearances, he has 
raised awareness as well as funds to support the foundation's noble 
cause. To this day, audiences continue to be captivated by Byron 
Janis's musical talents, even as they are impressed by his amazing 
persistence in the face of adversity.
  March 24 will be Byron Janis's 80th birthday. And this year also 
marks the 60th anniversary of his debut at Carnegie Hall. Across all 
those years, his determination, courage, and selfless service have 
embodied the American spirit at its best. His lifetime of 
accomplishments as a performer, cultural ambassador, and role model are 
truly remarkable. I am pleased today to recognize and congratulate 
Byron Janis for his triumphs, for his accomplishments, and for 
inspiring millions of individuals around the world.

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