[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH

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                               speech of

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 2008

  Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 
372, a resolution I introduced honoring June as Black Music Month. This 
bill honors the outstanding contributions that African American 
singers, composers, producers, and musicians have made to the United 
States and the world.
  This resolution expresses our appreciation for and the value of the 
contributions of African Americans to various genres of music. The roll 
call of African Americans who have contributed to the uniquely American 
born but internationally acclaimed mode of music is stellar and 
stunning. This music, often created against incredible odds, has served 
as a chronicle of our time and enriches our Nation.
  Civil rights demonstrators often marched to the cadence of ``People 
Get Ready'' or the numerous gospel or spiritual songs created in the 
fields by slaves. One of the most beloved gospel songs of all time is 
``Precious Lord, Take My Hand'' by Hall of Fame composer and writer 
Thomas Dorsey. The music of African Americans is the music of America, 
and has historically transcended social, economic and racial barriers 
to unite people of all backgrounds. Young America danced to the rhythm 
of the sound that emanated from Stax Records of Memphis, Chess Records 
of Chicago, and from my home town of Detroit, Michigan, through Motown.
  Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the 
Supremes, Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, 
Anita Baker, and The Temptations are just a few of the tremendously 
talented artists that hail from the great city of Detroit. Detroit is 
the also the birthplace of music mogul Berry Gordy's great Motown 
empire. Motown ushered in a new wave of talent and music across the 
world. The Motown Sound was brilliantly and meticulously crafted in 
what is now Hitsville, USA, the original Motown studio located in my 
district. The impeccable standards of excellence in craftsmanship set 
Motown and Detroit apart as trailblazers in several musical genres, as 
recognized through their numerous Grammy Awards, NAACP Awards and other 
accolades. Motown did far more than produce music. It broke substantial 
barriers to help to unite the world across race, class and gender 
lines.
  Although Motown has received the most international acclaim for the 
music produced during the infamous Motown era that spanned decades, 
Detroiters have also made other tremendous contributions to the musical 
world. The historical Black Bottom district was a hub for big bands and 
legendary jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Duke 
Ellington. Detroit is also well known for its immense contributions to 
gospel music. Reverend C.L. Franklin, Della Reese, The Winans and the 
Clarke Sisters all have roots in the City of Detroit.
  Detroit's copious musical history and myriad of noteworthy, award-
winning contributions have instilled a great sense of pride in all of 
its citizens and, hopefully, all Americans. Take some time during the 
month of June to exhibit said pride and honor all those Black artists 
that made indelible contributions to the soundtrack of our lives. Give 
honor to whom honor is due. Join me in spending this month immersing 
yourself and your loved ones of all ages in the rich array of music 
that African-Americans have contributed to our great Nation. I 
encourage all Americans to utilize the celebrations to honor the men 
and women who have created some of the most influential music our 
Nation has ever produced. I also want to honor the radio stations and 
the DJs, like Frankie Darcell, that play this timeless and wonderful 
music. As we spend time recognizing the contributions of these artists, 
let us remember that this music is not just African-American music. 
This music is American music--an integral part of all Americans' 
heritage.

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