[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2008

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express support for a 
resolution designating September as Gospel Music Heritage Month. This 
resolution recognizes the legacy of gospel music for its invaluable and 
longstanding contributions to the musical traditions of the United 
States.
  Let me begin by thanking Representative Jackson-Lee of Texas, the 
Recording Academy, and the Gospel Music Channel for all of their 
support to pay homage to this influential and inspirational genre of 
music. Gospel music is truly an American classic that's gone far too 
long without being recognized for the significant impact it's made on 
our culture.
  Whether it's swaying with the choirs, tapping along with the 
quartets, or simply raising hands to the rhythm of soul-stirring 
crooners, gospel music is a cornerstone of the American musical 
tradition. Gospel music is more than the sounds that resonate in 
congregations on Sundays; it's the musical thread that has woven its 
influence throughout religious and secular musical genres including 
rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues. From Ray Charles and 
Elvis Presley to Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton, many of America's 
greatest recording artists emerged through the historical art form of 
gospel.
  While gospel may have its roots based in the African-American 
traditions of Negro spirituals, its reach has spanned not only across 
the ages, but it has grown beyond its established audience to achieve 
popular culture and historic relevance across the globe. With its use 
of choral singing in unison and harmony, Gospel has emerged as a 
distinct category of popular song, with its own supporting publishing 
and recording firms, and performers appearing in sell-out concerts 
nationwide.
  This resolution allows Members of Congress to celebrate gospel's rich 
heritage and honor musical pioneers from the likes of Mahalia Jackson 
and Sandi Patty, and the Hawkins Family, very own constituents: 
Tramaine, Edwin and Walter Hawkins. Additionally, it allows Members of 
Congress to pay tribute to this important American legacy and the role 
it plays in the lives of millions.
  Since Thomas Dorsey first stretched the boundaries to create gospel 
music, choirs, quartets, and powerful vocalists have been singing this 
same song, albeit in different styles and places. Gospel is here to 
stay, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
measure to honor the gospel community, and create a month designated to 
annually acknowledge the ``good news'' it represents.

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