[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S5846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING BENJAMIN GORDON POWELL, JR.

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I 
come to the Senate floor today to reflect upon the passing of Benny 
Powell, Jr., an esteemed jazz trombonist from Louisiana. Louisiana and 
the Nation lost a musical icon on June 26 when Benny passed away, but 
he lives on in our memories and in the music that he created.
  Born March 1, 1930, in New Orleans, LA, Benjamin Gordon Powell, Jr. 
first set his sights on the parade drum. At the time, his mother was 
working as a maid in the French Quarter and she played the piano. 
Thankfully, his mother quickly realized his enthusiasm for music and 
encouraged Benny to play the trombone. By the time he was 14, Benny had 
landed his first professional band gig. He was tremendously musically 
gifted, even from such a young age.
  Benny has said of the trombone that he loved most how expressive the 
instrument was. In an interview with the Times-Picayune in 2001, he was 
quoted as saying that, ``It's like a voice. It can go from a whisper to 
a roar.''
  Benny has performed from coast to coast with a variety of musical 
figures. In 1961, he played at President Kennedy's inauguration. He has 
recorded or performed with Frank Sinatra, Screamin' Jay Jawkins, Lionel 
Hampton, pianist Randy Weston, in Broadway pit bands, and for many 
years in the house band on ``The Merv Griffin Show.'' However, he is 
probably best known for playing with Count Basie from the early 1950s 
through the early 1960s. Since 1944, he taught at the New School for 
Jazz and Contemporary Music, passing along his gift to aspiring young 
musicians. I know younger generations were encouraged and inspired by 
his talents, strength and wisdom.
  There is a deep rooted musical tradition in New Orleans that Benny's 
music exemplified by his clear passion and rich sound. We will miss his 
inspiring gift. As we reflect on his life and his contributions, our 
prayers are with his daughter, Demitra Powell Clay, his sister, 
Elizabeth Powell McCrowey, and his grandchildren, Faith and Kyle 
Swetnam. May we all find some solace in the part of Benny that 
continues to live on in his music.

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