[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H9246-H9247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further 
consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 12) expressing support 
for designation of September 2009 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' 
and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding 
contributions to the culture of the United States, and ask for its 
immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  The text of the joint resolution is as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 12

       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 2009 would be an appropriate month to 
     designate as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'': Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, 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.

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support my bill, 
H.J. Res. 12, that will

[[Page H9247]]

designate September 2009 as Gospel Music Heritage Month and honor 
gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the 
culture of the United States. Gospel music is an American art form that 
has spanned hundreds of generations and its musical roots can be heard 
throughout many musical genres that we love today. It is important that 
we recognize and celebrate the vital role gospel music has had on music 
history. For this reason, I ask that you join me in supporting my 
resolution expressing support for designating September 2009 as 
``Gospel Music Heritage Month,'' honoring gospel music for its valuable 
long-standing contributions to American culture. I would also like to 
thank the 6 co-sponsors who have seen fit to honor our gospel music 
heritage.
  The history of gospel music can be traced back to African American 
spirituals that blended diverse elements from African music, melodic 
influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and ultimately borrowed 
from other uniquely American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, 
and blues.
  The influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms of 
secular music, from rock & roll, country, soul, R&B, and countless 
other styles. 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 laid down the musical foundation 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.
  Gospel music has had an overwhelming influence on American culture 
and this bill recognizes gospel music's contributions by celebrating 
the rich heritage of gospel music and its artists in the month of 
September, 2009.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill as we move it to the floor 
for a vote.
  The joint resolution was ordered to be engrossed and read a third 
time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider 
was laid on the table.

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