[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 24, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H5984-H5988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 370) expressing support for
designation of September 2008 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and
honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions
to the culture of the United States.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
[[Page H5985]]
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 370
Whereas gospel music is a beloved art form unique to the
United States, spanning decades, generations, and races;
Whereas gospel music is one of the cornerstones of the
musical tradition of the United States and has grown beyond
its roots to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance;
Whereas gospel music has spread beyond its geographic
origins to touch audiences around the world;
Whereas the history of gospel music can be traced to
multiple and diverse influences and foundations, including
African-American spirituals that blended diverse elements
from African music and melodic influences from Irish folk
songs and hymns, and gospel music ultimately borrowed from
uniquely American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and
blues;
Whereas that tradition of diversity remains today, as the
influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms
of secular music, including rock and roll, country, soul,
rhythm and blues, and countless other styles;
Whereas the legacy of gospel music includes some of the
most memorable voices and musical pioneers in the history of
the United States, such as Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson,
James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, Virgil Stamps, Diana
Washington, Stamps Quartet, The Highway QCs, The Statesmen,
The Soul Stirrers, Point of Grace, Smokie Norful, Terry
Woods, James Cleveland, Billy Ray Hearns, Rex Humbard, Joe
Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, V. Michael
McKay, Theola Booker, Yolanda Adams, Edwin and Walter
Hawkins, Sandi Patty, The Winans, Kathy Taylor, and Brenda
Waters, Carl Preacher, Shirley Joiner of B, C & S;
Whereas many of the biggest names in music emerged from the
gospel music tradition or have recorded gospel music,
including Sam Cooke, Al Green, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye,
Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Ray
Charles, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Mariah
Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis;
Whereas, regardless of their musical styles, those artists
and so many more have turned to gospel music as the source
and inspiration for their music, which has blurred the
boundaries between secular and gospel music;
Whereas, beyond its contribution to the musical tradition
of the United States, gospel music has provided a cultural
and musical backdrop across all of mainstream media, from hit
television series to major Hollywood motion pictures,
including ``American Idol'', ``Heroes'', ``Dancing with the
Stars'', ``O Brother, Where Art Thou?'', ``Sister Act'',
``The Preacher's Wife'', ``Evan Almighty'', and more;
Whereas gospel music has a huge audience around the country
and around the world, a testament to the universal appeal of
a historical American art form that both inspires and
entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and geographic
boundaries; and
Whereas September 2008 would be an appropriate month to
designate as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'': Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress supports the designation of
``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' which would recognize the
contributions to the culture of the United States derived
from the rich heritage of gospel music and gospel music
artists.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Clay) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
General Leave
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, I gladly join my colleagues in the consideration of
H. Con. Res. 370 which expresses support for the designation of
September 2008 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honors gospel
music for its valuable and long-standing contributions to America's
culture.
H. Con. Res. 370 was introduced by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
Jackson-Lee) on June 10, 2008, and is cosponsored by 53 House Members.
The bill before us was reported favorably from the Oversight Committee
on June 12, 2008, by voice vote.
Gospel music is a unique national art form that truly exemplifies the
American ``melting pot'' concept. Its diverse influences include
African-American spirituals, traditional African music, ragtime, jazz,
and blues, as well as Irish folk songs and hymns.
While some originally deemed the fusion of secular music with sacred
lyrics, which characterizes gospel music, to be unconventional, gospel
music has quickly grown into an integral part of American culture. The
influence of gospel music extends throughout practically all forms of
secular music performed today, including rock and roll, country, soul,
and rhythm and blues.
Gospel music has motivated innumerable musicians over the years,
including such greats as Tommy Dorsey, who is sometimes credited as the
``Father of Gospel Music,'' James Vaughan, Diana Washington, Smokie
Norful, Yolanda Adams, Sam Cooke, Mahaliah Jackson, Elvis Presley,
Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, and the list goes on.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we as a Congress honor the enormous
and beautiful contributions that gospel music has given to not only
America, but to the world by designating September 2008 as Gospel Music
Heritage Month. I urge the swift passage of this bill.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
The legacy of gospel music is an American art form that continues to
uplift and comfort people throughout this country and world. Therefore,
I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution in
recognition of this national treasure.
Gospel music is a cultural and international art form that fosters an
outpouring of deep spiritual beliefs. It has developed over the years
in the United States but its blend of diverse cultures and music styles
give us songs that transcend borders and beliefs.
It is a fitting tribute to this uniquely American music that
September be designated as Gospel Music Heritage Month as it has
touched millions of people throughout the world. It has been enjoyed in
many different mediums such as books, television and motion pictures
which has increased the enjoyment for many in varied cultural venues.
The style of gospel music has expanded from its roots to include
Urban, Christian Country and Southern Gospel further broadening the
appeal of this music to more people. The Gospel Music Channel has
played an important role in bringing the diverse types of gospel music
to many fans. Some of the music greats such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney
Houston, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson and even Elvis Presley
are among the many recording artists that have their roots in gospel
music and have recorded significant gospel music albums. Their ability
to bring their personal inspiration from gospel music to their millions
of fans with varied musical styles is another tribute to this wonderful
music genre.
The legacy of gospel music is an American art form that continues to
uplift and comfort people throughout this country and world. Therefore,
I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution in
recognition of this national treasure.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the
sponsor of the resolution, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee)
for 3 minutes.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the manager of
this legislation, Mr. Lacy Clay, and my special appreciation to the
chairperson of the full committee, Chairman Waxman. He expressed a
great deal of appreciation and sensitivity for this legislation; and to
the ranking member, Mr. Tom Davis, to the staff of the committee for
their untiring work and dedication, and certainly to the manager on the
minority side on this legislation.
I am delighted to see a number of Members on the floor of the House,
and I am especially appreciative of the gospel singers and advocates
who have helped encourage this legislation to move forward.
Let me also thank Senator Blanche Lincoln who authored this
legislation in the Senate, along with Senator Hutchinson and my
cosponsor, Congresswoman Bono Mack.
We understand that this Congress has an opportunity on many occasions
to celebrate and commemorate important historical cultures of this
Nation. Gospel Music Heritage Month is that, for it is not with respect
to race, color or creed, or even religion. As I was told by one artist
singing in Japan, singing gospel music borne out of the seeds of
slavery, that those in Japan were celebrating and clapping to that
gospel music.
[[Page H5986]]
Gospel music has been woven into the fabric of American society for
centuries, deeply impacting hundreds of generations, from rock and
roll, country, the blues, R&B, and even hip-hop. And so H. Con. Res.
370 designating the month of September is intended to offer to America
an opportunity to pause for a moment and be able to celebrate gospel
music.
According to the Gospel Music Channel, which has been very helpful
with this legislation, gospel music sales now account for nearly 8
percent of all music purchased in the United States, selling seven CDs
for every 10 purchased in country music.
Regardless of their musical styles, artists have turned to gospel
music as a source of inspiration for their own music. And we recognize
in this legislation a number of those cited, such as Tommy Dorsey,
Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, and many more. And
others who got their start through gospel music, Elvis Presley, Marvin
Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Dolly
Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis, to mention a few.
We know that Mahalia Jackson reigned as a pioneer interpreter of
gospel music, and I know that she will be discussed with great
admiration. I loved to hear her sing.
And yes, of course, one of our other great and wonderful stars that
we have here, the famous James Cleveland, someone that everyone knew,
born in Chicago, Illinois, but no one can offer a voice likes James
Cleveland, leading choirs, inspiring others, recognizing that choir
rehearsals were the cause of the inspiration of music in our churches.
As we recognize James Cleveland, we are still reminded of the great
work he has done.
{time} 2030
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman's time has expired.
Mr. CLAY. I yield the gentlewoman 2 additional minutes.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. James Cleveland was, of course, the choir
director's choir director. It was in one of these rehearsals that James
was singing, and he was noticed and made a choir mascot. The choir
director, Thomas A. Dorsey, wrote a song for him which launched the
career of what was to be a long line of performances. Through Dorsey's
teaching and directing, James was influenced in a great way, and James
Cleveland became himself, the great teacher, the great choir director,
the great musician, and boy, he could move your spirit. James Cleveland
will be remembered, and we will be able to celebrate him and his music
in this wonderful month.
Many of us know the wonderful songstress of Sandi Patty, still
bursting with creative energy and magnetic talent three decades into
her career. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee with 39 Dove awards,
5 Grammy awards, and an armload of platinum and gold albums has seen
professional peaks and personal valleys alike while in the spotlight,
all of them tempered by the grace of God. Sandi Patty is one that will
be a light as we honor Gospel Music Heritage Month.
And then our own hometown girl, Yolanda Adams, who debuted her song,
``Just As I Am'' in the 1980s. I remember sitting on the seats of many
churches and seeing Yolanda, a tall, regal young teacher, sing in the
choir. And then when she came to her own and began to sing and win all
of these awards being reminded of her songs, ``Mountain High . . .
Valley Low,'' and of course many other songs that she had sung, winning
many awards having that wonderful regal ability to convey her spirit,
and particularly her song, ``I need you now.''
Yolanda Adams, along with Mary Mary, Kurt Carr, V. Michael McKay,
Kathy Taylor, and many others in and around the State of Texas and
elsewhere, are well to be remembered. Brenda Ward, Carl Preacher, and
Shirley Joiner, as Gospel greats of BC&S.
So many have offered a joy to this Nation. That is why I ask my
colleagues to support this resolution celebrating and stopping for a
moment in the month of September every year to commemorate gospel music
heritage. Remember, it is not a respect of color or creed or religion;
it is an opportunity to feel your spirit. So let me ask my colleagues
to support this legislation.
I thank Mr. Clay for his time. I thank my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.
Con. Res. 370, Expressing support for designation of September 2008 as
``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honoring Gospel music for its
valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United
States. I am delighted to stand on the floor of the House today to
honor, recognize, preserve, and promote the legacy and contributions
that Gospel music has made to our society.
Gospel music has been woven into the fabric of American society for
centuries, deeply impacting hundreds of generations. From rock and
roll, country, the blues, R&B, and even hip hop, Gospel's musical roots
can be heard throughout many musical genres that we love today. Not
only has Gospel music entertained the masses, but its spiritual roots
have spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions, giving it the
unique ability to minister to souls around the world.
It is very important that we recognize and celebrate the vital role
Gospel music has played in music history and also in contemporary
times. That is why I am so proud of my legislation, H. Con. Res. 370,
Designating September as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month.'' This bill
recognizes Gospel music's contributions in American culture by
celebrating its rich heritage and artists for a full month. I urge my
fellow Members of Congress to support this vital legislation.
As we know, Gospel music is an American art form that has spanned
throughout hundreds of years. Its musical elements can be heard
melodiously infused in many genres that we love today. It has grown
beyond its roots to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance,
touching audiences around the world. According to the Gospel Music
Channel, ``Gospel music sales now account for nearly 8 percent of all
music purchased in the United States, selling seven CDs for every ten
purchased in country music.''
Regardless of their musical styles, artists have turned to Gospel
music as the source and inspiration for their own music, which has
blurred the boundaries between secular and Gospel music. Gospel music
has provided a cultural and musical backdrop across all of mainstream
media, from hit television series to major Hollywood motion pictures,
including ``American Idol,'' ``Dancing with the Stars,'' ``Sister
Act,'' and more.
The history of Gospel music can be traced back to African American
spirituals that blended diverse elements from traditional African
music, folk songs and hymns, and ultimately borrowed from other
American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and blues. Let us not
forget that the legacy of Gospel music includes some of the most
memorable voices and pioneers in American history, such as Thomas
Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, and many more.
Gospel music has paved the way for legendary recording artists such as
Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly, Whitney
Houston, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy
Travis just to name a few.
Let us now take a look at some of Gospel's most influential,
recognizable artists:
Mahalia Jackson reigned as a pioneer interpreter of gospel music
whose fervent contralto was one of the great voices of this century.
Both gospel and rhythm and blues had their roots in the sanctified
church, but whereas blues and R&B departed on secular paths that led to
rock and roll, gospel stayed the spiritual course. Nonetheless, the
influence of gospel on R&B and rock and roll, especially through such
force-of-nature voices as Jackson's, is inescapable. Little Richard has
cited Jackson as an inspiration, calling her ``the true queen of
spiritual singers.''
No other Christian artist at work today is better suited to sing
about life's journey than Sandi Patty. Still bursting with creative
energy and magnetic talent three decades into her career, the Gospel
Music Hall of Fame inductee with 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards,
and an armload of platinum and gold albums has seen professional peaks
and personal valleys alike while in the spotlight, all of them tempered
by the grace of God.
The Winans are a contemporary Christian music group formed by four
brothers, Marvin, Carvin, Ronald and Michael Winans, from Detroit,
Michigan, USA. The family has additionally produced two well-known
solo/duo gospel performers, BeBe and CeCe Winans. After having sung in
gospel choirs all their lives the brothers began their professional
career in the early 80s. Staying close to their gospel roots but always
maintaining a distinctive, jazzy sound, their reputation saw them work
and perform with leading artists including Vanessa Bell Armstrong,
Anita Baker and Michael McDonald, the latter pair both appearing on
their 1987 album, Decision. Their two QWest albums of the early 90s,
Return and All Out, saw the Winans attempt to convert their popularity
into mainstream R&B success. Even this,
[[Page H5987]]
however, was motivated by moral concerns: ``The whole purpose was to
win over young people who might have been on the verge of going into a
life of crime or going off track,'' Ronald Winans told Billboard
magazine in 1995.
Ever since her late-80s debut Just As I Am, Yolanda Adams has
triumphantly carried the torch for contemporary gospel and
inspirational music via 12 glorious albums. Stunningly beautiful,
exceptionally educated, filled with the spirit and blessed with one of
the most powerful voices in any genre of music, this Houston-native and
one-time school teacher has been a stately beacon of God's light,
earning numerous accolades and awards for her shining efforts;
including the first American Music Award for Contemporary Gospel
Artist, four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and four National
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Grammy' Awards
(including 1999's Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for Mountain High
. . . Valley Low which featured her secular breakthrough hit ``Open My
Heart,'' and 2005's Best Gospel Song for ``Be Blessed,'' for which she
was a co-writer).
Since his debut, 1993's Kirk Franklin & the Family, Kirk Franklin has
been one of the brightest stars in contemporary gospel music. The album
spent 100 weeks on the gospel charts (some of those on top), crossed
over to the R&B charts, and became the first gospel debut album to go
platinum. His second album, Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas,
became the genre's first Christmas album to make it to number one, and
his 1996 album Whatcha Lookin' 4 went gold as soon as it was
distributed. With such phenomenal success, it is small wonder that some
have hailed him ``the Garth Brooks of gospel.'' Still, despite all the
adulation and brouhaha, Franklin remains a humble, devout Christian,
eschewing the title ``entertainer'' in favor of labeling himself as
just a ``church boy.''
The Reverend James Cleveland was born in Chicago, Illinois, on
December 5, 1931, to Rosie Lee and Benjamin Cleveland during the height
of the greatest depression. James' grandmother attended Pilgrim Baptist
Church, where she was a member of the choir. James had no choice but to
attend these rehearsals with his grandmother and found himself sitting
through these choir rehearsals--bored stiff! Eventually James decided
he would conquer the boredom through attempting to sing along with the
choir. It was in one of these rehearsals that James' singing was
noticed and he was made choir mascot. The choir director, Thomas A.
Dorsey wrote a song for him which launched the career of what was to be
a long line of performances. Through Dorsey's teaching and directing
young James was influenced in a great way. Reverend Cleveland will
never be forgotten as one of the world's foremost leaders and pioneers
of gospel music and his gospel music ministry will live on. Literally
every black gospel artist today has been influenced by James Cleveland.
It's not hard to divide the world of Gospel quartet music into
categories. In fact, there are really only two. There's the Mighty
Clouds of Joy, and then there's everybody else. After 44 years and 35
albums, three Grammys and trophy-case full of almost every award
imaginable; shows that have run a gamut from the church-house to the
White House, and top-billings with a dazzling roster of superstar
artists from nearly every genre of popular music (the Rolling Stones,
Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, Ray
Charles, and Paul Simon are but a few), The Mighty Clouds of Joy are
more than a Gospel legend. They are nothing less than a national
treasure. Still, one must choose his words carefully when describing
the Clouds. ``Icons?'' Absolutely. ``Pioneers?'' Without a doubt.
``Venerable?'' Most certainly. ``Forefathers'' of modern Gospel, R&B,
rock and pop? It's just the straight fact of the matter; but don't let
founding member and lead vocalist, Joe Ligon, or any of the other five
Clouds hear you referring to them with any synonym that even hints at
greatness in the past tense.
Perhaps the most interesting story in modern Gospel music over the
past few years has been the emergence from nowhere of Smokie Norful.
Virtually unheard of when he released his debut album, I Need You Now,
in early 2002, Norful became Billboard Magazine's #1 Gospel Artist of
2003 and also won the coveted 2003 Stellar Awards for both Best Male
Vocalist and Best New Artist. It is encouraging to find new artists
like Norful that are blending the rhythms and production quality of
modern soul with the lyrical depth of modern Gospel. It also is
encouraging that Urban Adult Contemporary radio was willing to embrace
an obviously spiritual song such as ``I Need You Now.'' And while great
Gospel artists such as Mary Mary and even Yolanda Adams had difficulty
finding continuing broad crossover sales following their smash 2000
albums, fans of quality Soul will continue to hope that strong future
material by artists such as Smokie Norful will lead to sustained
mainstream success for spiritual music.
Let me speak now, of some Gospel music that is particularly important
to me: The Soul Stirrers, formed by Roy Crain in 1926, which became one
of the most popular and influential gospel groups of the 20th Century
and was the first Gospel group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame; Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, another quartet that got
their start here in Houston; Don Robey's Peacock Records, which in its
1960s' gospel heyday, featured such artists as The Dixie Hummingbirds,
Rev. Cleophus Robinson, The Loving Sisters and with its subsidiary
label, Song Bird Records, released recordings from the legendary Inez
Andrews and other Gospel Greats; BC&S (Brenda Waters, Carl Preacher &
Shirley Joiner), the nucleus of what would become Southeast
Inspirational Choir, the vehicle that launched the prolific solo career
of Yolanda Adams; V. Michael McKay, one of the most prolific
songwriters of our time, with songs like The Potter's House, The Battle
is the Lord's, and Broken, But I'm Healed; Kathy Taylor, whose anointed
voice is heard from the sanctuary of Windsor Village to places all
around the world; Kirk Franklin, who in a decade brought Gospel Music
out of the Church and back into the streets of the young people of
America and the world, while revolutionizing the genre in the process;
Kurt Carr, whose artistry demands the attention of the world, while at
the same time, the heart of God . . .
Psalm 150 states: ``Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his
mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled
greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram's horn; praise him with
the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise
him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise
him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing
praises to the Lord!''
Praising the Lord is at the core of Gospel music and today we honor
the many Gospel musicians who have dedicated their lives to praising
the Lord. Their messages of faith, hope, and wisdom continue to
encourage in times of hardship, and express joy in times of prosperity.
Gospel musicians use their talents to motivate listeners to live
positive life styles grounded in love, patience, goodness, kindness,
self-control, gentleness, peace, and joy; all of which we know as the
Fruit of the Spirit.
Today, Gospel music has a vast audience around the country and around
the world. This is a testament to the universal appeal of a historical
American art form that both inspires and entertains across racial,
ethnic, religious, and geographic boundaries.
Without a doubt, Gospel music deserves national recognition and I
urge my colleagues to expediently pass this vital piece of legislation.
By supporting H. Con. Res. 370, the Members of Congress will finally
honor the great contributions of Gospel music artists of the
yesteryears and years to come. Let us recognize the significant
cultural contributions of Gospel music to the fabric that weaves
together the patchwork of American society, by designating September as
``Gospel Music Heritage Month.'' I am grateful for the help of the
Gospel Music Channel, the Grammys and my Gospel artists. I also
appreciate the work of Gospel Music advocate Carl Davis.
I would like to thank Senator Blanche Lincoln for her great
leadership in the Senate in getting this resolution passed. I am proud
to support H. Con. Res. 370 and to provide Congressional support for
the designation of ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' which would
recognize the contributions to the culture of the United States derived
from the rich heritage of Gospel music and Gospel music artists. I
strongly urge all my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson).
Mr. JEFFERSON. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Today I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 370, the Gospel Music
Heritage Month resolution. I thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee and
Congressman Clay for bringing this measure to the floor.
My region has a strong connection to Gospel music. It is home of
``The Queen of Gospel Song'' Mahalia Jackson. Ms. Jackson was born in
New Orleans, more specifically in the Carrollton neighborhood of Uptown
in 1911 and grew up singing, starting in the Plymouth Rock Baptist
Church before moving to Chicago as a teenager.
Like so many gospel singers, she struggled to get a career going,
laboring as a domestic but soon became a prolific soloist at churches
and funerals in the Chicago area. The world took notice, and her voice
became a soundtrack for the civil rights movement of the fifties and
sixties. Her commanding contra-alto voice rang out in song for
Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy and before Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr's, I Have a Dream speech. At the
[[Page H5988]]
March on Washington, she sang ``I Been 'Buked and I Been Scorned'' at
Dr. King's request. Dr. King is recalled as having said about Mahalia
Jackson, ``A voice like this comes, not once in a century, but once in
a millennium.''
Fittingly, she won a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy in 1972, was
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and was honored
with a U.S. Postal Service stamp in 1988.
The gospel music of Mahalia Jackson, as has all gospel music,
inspired music of other genres, in particular jazz, blues, and rock and
roll. Little Richard, indeed, names her as one of his biggest
influences. ``She was my inspiration,'' he says. ``She could sing.''
Gospel music expresses all that is important in the human experience:
our trials, our fears, our faith, our hope for salvation.
Today, the gospel tradition started in New Orleans by Mahalia Jackson
continues. Through the inspirational singing and award-winning
performances of Bishop Paul S. Morton, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, the Zion
Harmonizers, the New Orleans Spiritualettes, Tara Alexander, and many
others, God is powerfully glorified.
New Orleans is truly a bedrock of gospel music and gospel music the
cornerstone of hope and spirituality for our Nation. Gospel music
deserves, Mr. Speaker, and its artists deserve to have the recognition
that this resolution affords. And I urge its adoption.
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Payne) for 3 minutes.
(Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me join in with my colleagues in
expressing support for the designation of September 2008 for Gospel
Music Heritage Month. And let me commend the sponsor, Ms. Sheila
Jackson-Lee, for her initiative to make the gospel music national art
form as we've seen with jazz in the past.
And let me thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) for his
support of this legislation.
Let me say that this resolution certainly recognizes gospel music's
contribution in American culture by celebrating its rich heritage and
artists for the entire month of September. It is very important that we
recognize and celebrate the vital role gospel music has played in music
history and also in contemporary times.
Gospel music has been woven into the fabric of American history
spanning generations from rock and roll, country, to blues, R&B, and
even hip hop. Gospel music roots can be many musical genres, and we
love that today. Not only has gospel music entertained the masses, but
its spiritual roots have spread the hope to many souls around the
world.
As you know, the history of gospel can be traced back to the African
American spirituals that blended diverse elements from traditional
music, folk songs, and hymns and ultimately borrowed from other
American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and the blues.
The first Negro spirituals were inspired by the hardship of slavery
yet enlightened by the hope and faith of God. They were used to send
messages to express personal feelings and uplift broken spirits. They
told a story of a generation, and each era's sense of belief, hence the
word ``gospel.''
As traditional Negro spirituals continued to be sung, new spiritual
songs were created. The lyrics of these songs were sung and they dealt
with the praise of the Lord with personal improvement and with
brotherly community life. Many of them were inspired by social
problems, segregation, lack of love, and the list goes on and on.
Words from traditional spirituals were slightly changed and adapted
to special events. For example, the words of ``Joshua Fought the Battle
of Jericho (and the walls came tumbling down)'' was changed into
``marching around Selma.''
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman's time has expired.
Mr. CLAY. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.
Mr. PAYNE. Instruments would later be infused in the culture
influencing some of the most memorable voices, and we heard them, in
particular Mahalia Jackson and Roberta Martin, and many, many others.
Later we heard Marvin Gaye and Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
But in our local town of Norton, we had people at New Hope Baptist
Church where Sissy Houston is still the head of music there, and Sissy
Houston came out of our New Hope Baptist Church and Dionne Warwick
preceded them, all in the same choir at New Hope Baptist Church.
So therefore without doubt, gospel music deserves national
recognition, and that is why I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res.
370, designating September as National Gospel Music Heritage Month.
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support House Concurrent
Resolution 370. I urge my colleagues to support it.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 370.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
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