[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           BLACK MUSIC MONTH

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                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 476, celebrating the 30th anniversary of June as ``Black 
Music Month''. I would like to thank my colleague Representative Steve 
Cohen from Tennessee for introducing this important piece of 
legislation, as well as the co-sponsors.
  I stand in support of this resolution because it is continuing to 
recognize the importance that black music has played in American 
culture. Many American made genres of music such as jazz, blues, 
gospel, rock and roll, and the rhythm and blues owe their existence to 
the contribution of black musicians in the past. Georgians such as 
Tenor Richard Hayes, born in 1887 to former slaves, was one of the most 
important African-American tenors performing in classical music during 
the first part of the 20th century. Hayes was one of the highest paid 
musicians of his time breaking down color barriers for other black 
classical performers such as Paul Robeson, Leontyne Price, William 
Dawson, William Grant Still, and even Duke Ellington. As well as other 
native Georgia artists like Ray Charles, one of the main creators of 
``soul music'', who is well known for his unique version of ``America 
the Beautiful''. Charles' rendition of ``Georgia on My Mind'' was 
proclaimed the state song on April 24, 1979.
  This resolution aims to continue to stress the importance of 
recognizing June as Black Music Month as it was formally declared in 
1979. Celebrating the phenomenal work of black composers, musicians, 
producers, writers, and singers during one month of the year is the 
least that we can do to pay tribute to contributions that they have 
made in shaping the musical art forms that we enjoy today. Celebrating 
and observing the 30th anniversary of June as ``Black Music Month'' is 
something that I encourage all Americans to do. I urge my colleagues to 
support this resolution.

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