[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2009

  Mr. BLUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a legendary Ozarks 
western singing group--Sons of the Pioneers, who will celebrate their 
75th anniversary of performing this year. They are known worldwide for 
their vocal blend, unique harmonies and special arrangements of their 
classic songs. Introduced in 1934, the Sons of the Pioneers are reputed 
to be the longest continually performing musical group in the history 
of western music.
  After about 50 years of touring, the Sons of the Pioneers decided to 
make Branson their home. They settled at the Shepherd of the Hills, 
where they perform at the Sons of the Pioneers Pavilion. The six-member 
group entertains guests with western songs and stories.
  The members have changed over the years, but they all continue to 
present the music in its original form for everyone to enjoy.
  The founding members included Roy Rogers (Leonard Slye), Bob Nolan 
and Tim Spencer, who was born in Webb City, Missouri, which is now part 
of my congressional district. Their unique style of music became widely 
admired and copied. They composed many original songs, several of which 
have become true American classics. ``Tumbling Tumbleweeds,'' ``Cool 
Water,'' and ``Riders in the Sky'' were part of a unique sound and 
style, which became the traditional music of the American cowboy and 
the West.
  The Sons of the Pioneers has had 33 members, and has never disbanded. 
The Sons of the Pioneers have performed in nearly 100 movies and have 
sung over 3,000 western songs. They have starred in movies with well 
known actors such as John Wayne, Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, and of course 
Roy Rogers.
  The Sons of the Pioneers has achieved many awards and accolades over 
their three-quarters of a century performing. They are considered 
``National Treasures'' by the Smithsonian Institute. They have been 
inducted in several halls of fames including: Nashville Country Hall of 
Fame in 1978, Western Hero's Hall of Fame in 1984, Western Music 
Association Hall of Fame in 1990 and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame 
in 1995. The group won Vocal Group of the Year in 1970 and Band of the 
Year in 1978. In 1986, their popular song ``Cool Water'' was inducted 
into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
  Sons of the Pioneers is truly a group who deserves significant credit 
for the music they have created, the standards they have set, the 
achievements they have accomplished, and all the generations they have 
touched.
  This year celebrates the Sons of the Pioneers' 75th Anniversary of 
creating and preserving western music. It is truly an honor for 
Southwest Missouri to be the home of such a distinguished group. I wish 
Sons of the Pioneers continued success and many more years of keeping 
western music alive for future generations to enjoy.

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