[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H6446-H6449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  0050
                 SUPPORTING GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint 
resolution (H.J. Res. 90) expressing support for designation of 
September 2010 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honoring gospel 
music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of 
the United States.
  The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
  The text of the joint resolution is as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 90

       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

[[Page H6447]]

     and entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and 
     geographic boundaries; and
       Whereas September 2010 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.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Chu) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cao) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, I am pleased to present H.J. Res. 90 for consideration.
  This resolution expresses support for Gospel Music Heritage Month 
celebrated in September and honors gospel music for its valuable and 
longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States. H.J. 
Res. 90 was introduced by our colleague Representative Sheila Jackson 
Lee of Texas on June 17, 2010. It was referred to the Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported favorably by 
unanimous consent on July 15, 2010. It enjoys the bipartisan support of 
65 cosponsors.
  Mr. Speaker, gospel music has been enjoyed by generation after 
generation of Americans and by music lovers from around the world. As 
with many of our country's artistic and cultural traditions, it 
reflects our diverse ancestry, borrowing from such sources as African 
music, African American spirituals, Irish folk songs and hymns as well 
as ragtime, jazz, and blues. The blending of these styles with 
Christian hymns and gospel verse has led to a musical tradition at the 
heart of our culture.
  Throughout its history, gospel music has stood as a prominent form of 
Christian worship. Congregations across the country continue to sing 
gospel music during their regular services. Gospel music has also 
influenced many forms of secular music with rock, country, soul, rhythm 
and blues, with many other styles drawing from its distinct sound.
  Mr. Speaker, gospel music is a truly American art and H.J. Resolution 
90 will recognize its profound contribution to our culture.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CAO. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 90, 
expressing support for the designation of September 2010 as Gospel 
Music Heritage Month and honoring gospel music for its valuable and 
longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States.
  I would like to commend the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) 
for introducing this legislation and bringing it to the floor this 
evening--well, rather, this morning.
  This is the third year in a row that this body has considered a 
resolution supporting Gospel Music Heritage Month and honoring gospel 
music. Beginning in June 2008, Members of this body have worked 
together in a bipartisan fashion to recognize what gospel music means 
to our country. I commend my colleagues for their work in honoring the 
cultural contributions that gospel music has and continues to make to 
America and the world.
  Over the years, gospel music has been influenced by a multitude of 
unique and diverse musical styles and genres including elements of 
European music and African American spirituals as well. These 
spirituals brought together and blended elements of African music and 
were coupled with melodic influences from Irish folk songs and hymns.

  Over the last century, gospel music has also merged aspects and 
features from uniquely American music styles such as ragtime, jazz, and 
blues.
  Today, gospel music has progressed into more of a contemporary era as 
it has obtained pop culture status but at the same time has been able 
to stay true to its roots, traditions, and history. Artists like Aretha 
Franklin, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, and Mariah Carey have 
either emerged from or recorded gospel music. These artists and many 
others have sought inspiration from gospel music and through their work 
have blurred the line between secular and gospel music.
  The area of Louisiana that I represent includes New Orleans, the 
birthplace of jazz. Gospel music, much like jazz, reflects the richness 
of talents, culture, and crosses all barriers. It provides a positive 
force for informing and reuniting our communities, and it serves as a 
spoken, yet often unwritten, record of our shared experiences.
  From Louis Armstrong to Irma Thomas to Marva Wright, the maven of 
song who passed away early this year, New Orleans is rich with music 
that has shaped our Nation's rich heritage and inspired lives across 
the world. America's cultural story is heavily influenced by the 
celebration and struggle of African Americans through their musical 
expression, especially gospel music. African American musicians, 
singers, and composers have contributed immensely to our Nation's 
history.
  For decades, the voices of the civil rights movement's social 
activism and cultural awareness have been heard through the gospel 
music we recognize and celebrate today.
  Mr. Speaker, gospel music has gone from a little-known American music 
genre to be known all around the world as an art form that has the 
ability to inspire and entertain millions of people. No matter the 
race, ethnicity, religion, or location, gospel music has become and 
will continue to be cherished and enjoyed by many.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.J. Res. 
90.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. CHU. I now recognize Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, the 
author of this resolution, for such time as she may consume.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Thank you to the manager of this 
legislation, Congresswoman Chu, for her very kind and astute words and 
to Mr. Cao for his words in recognizing that gospel music is part of 
Americana.
  And that's why I stand today to be able to reflect the history of 
America and to be able to say that it is important that we preserve our 
history, cherish uniqueness of American history and American history in 
music.

                              {time}  0100

  Today I rise in support of H.J. Res. 90, expressing support for the 
designation of September 2010 as Gospel Music Heritage Month and 
honoring gospel music for its valuable and long-standing contributions 
to the culture of the United States.
  It was in my own hometown of Houston, listening to the wide range of 
gospel artists from many different disciplines, that the idea came to 
seek an opportunity for all of America, no matter from where they may 
have come, from what walk of life, what religion, what ethnicity, what 
background to really celebrate this very special part of American 
history.
  As you may know, gospel music is an American art form that has 
spanned hundreds of years and across several generations. It has 
touched millions of lives around the world while demonstrating its 
profound ability to transcend secular music and many other forms of 
music.
  As you can note, you can see that when we play or sing gospel music 
in a very diverse form, people are happy. They are joyful. They are 
having a wonderful time.
  By surpassing culturally constructed boundaries, gospel music has 
emerged as a musical thread uniting the fabric of America. Gospel music 
is when we are sad. Gospel music is when we are joyous. Gospel music is 
when we need comforting.
  Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, and even Democrats and 
Republicans alike have been uniquely interlinked by gospel's undeniable 
influence to American culture. For this reason it is important that we 
recognize and celebrate the vital role that gospel music has played in 
shaping music history. If

[[Page H6448]]

you talk to many of our military personnel on battlefields, you will 
note that many will hum a gospel song or a hymn that began with the 
origin of gospel music.
  While gospel music has become a multibillion-dollar industry, gospel 
music's historic roots have originated in the humble and soulful 
melodies of African American spirituals, as well as in the far ranges 
of Appalachia and other places around the Nation. Its sound contains 
diverse elements from African music, melodic influences from Irish folk 
songs, hymns and ultimately borrows from other uniquely American 
musical styles, including ragtime, jazz and blues. The legacy of gospel 
music can be heard in the voices of pioneers in American history like 
Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin and many, 
many more.
  The influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms of 
secular music, including rock and roll, country, soul, R&B and 
countless other styles. Gospel music laid down the foundation for 
legendary recording artists such as Elvis Presley. I heard many say 
that Elvis's best words and music were the gospel songs that he sang, 
and I believe that someone reminded me that Elvis Presley won a Grammy 
because of a gospel song that he sang. Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, 
Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, 
Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis.
  While there are many elements, situations and issues that divide our 
Nation, gospel music has found a unique way to highlight our 
similarities and influence the cultural makeup of our society. Instead 
of emphasizing our differences, gospel music has found a way to cater 
to the fundamental elements that unite people around the world, 
focusing on the soul of an individual rather than the mind.
  If you look at these pictures, you can see how people are inspired 
and seemingly caught up in the emotion and the feeling of the song.
  With that, it is important that we do not take this art form for 
granted. In fact, this evening I was speaking to Kurt Carr, and it may 
be important that as we celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month we find a 
way to translate this musical art to our children. We must make sure 
that the heritage of gospel music is recognized, honored, and 
celebrated. As I said, it is part of Americana. It is part of American 
history. It is a song which pioneers took west with them and others 
found comfort in their times of stress.
  Over the years, songs like ``Amazing Grace,'' which was written by 
John Newton, a young boy who left school at the age of 11 and began a 
life as a pirate seaman. Eventually he engaged in slavery capturing 
people from west Africa and selling them to slave markets around the 
world. But some would say by the grace of God fear was put into his 
heart when he was caught in a violent and fierce storm upon the sea, 
and lo and behold, he designed, wrote, felt and offered to the world 
the song, ``Amazing Grace,'' which offered to us that one could be 
saved when you felt lost and blind.
  And so it is important that as we reflect on how wonderful it is to 
live in this great country, how many attributes we have, we have 
brought to this Congress the opportunity to commemorate and designate 
September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.
  There are some icons that I want to mention in this statement 
tonight.
  Dr. Bobby Jones, who founded and is the director and anchor and 
presenter of ``Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel,'' a program that has been on 
cable TV for 30 years, I did not say 10, I did not say 20, this is the 
longest-running cable TV program in the Nation, not longest gospel TV 
program, the longest gospel program of 30 years. And so I thank you, 
Dr. Jones, for providing for aspiring artists and the many gospel 
singers that have had their opportunity to be on your program.
  Singers like Kurt Carr, V. Michael McKay and Don Jackson, who was the 
founder of the Stellar Awards, which is the great honorable program 
that honors all gospel singers. Certainly V. Michael McKay, as I 
indicated, just wrote a book of hymns that has a gospel touch; to Jazzy 
Jordan, who manages a number of artists and to many of those whose 
names have been listed in this legislation, names like the Mighty 
Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, Theola Booker, Yolanda Adams, Edwin and 
Walter Hawkins--and certainly we mourn the passing of brother Walter 
Hawkins--Sandi Patty, the Winans, Kathy Taylor, Brenda Waters, Carl 
Preacher--the late Carl Preacher--Shirley Joiner of B, C & S. All of 
these may not still be with us today, but we recognize their value.

  What about those who started with a grounding in gospel music like 
Sam Cooke, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, 
Alan Jackson and many, many others.
  So I hope that as we celebrate, we will find the opportunity to be 
able to have a gospel music heritage event in every location around 
America. Again, no matter what your background, you can celebrate 
gospel music.
  This bill has generated bipartisan support with 65 cosponsors, and I 
urge the rest of my colleagues to join us in honoring and celebrating 
this historic musical art form and pass H.J. Res. 90 today so that we 
can establish September as Gospel Music Heritage Month in the United 
States of America.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my bill H.J. Res. 90, 
``Expressing Support for the Designation of September 2010 as `Gospel 
Music Heritage Month' and Honoring Gospel Music for its Valuable and 
Longstanding Contributions to the Culture of the United States.''
  As you may know, gospel music is an American art form that has 
spanned hundreds of years and across several generations. It has 
touched millions of lives around the world while demonstrating its 
profound ability to transcend secular musical genres. By surpassing 
culturally constructed boundaries, gospel music has emerged as the 
musical thread uniting the fabric of America. Rich, poor, young, old, 
and even Democrats and Republicans alike have been uniquely interlinked 
by gospel music's undeniable influence and contribution to American 
culture. For this reason, it is important that we recognize and 
celebrate the vital role that gospel music has played in shaping music 
history.
  While gospel music has become a multibillion-dollar industry, gospel 
music's historic roots have originated in the humble and soulful 
melodies of African American spirituals. Its sound contains 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 legacy of gospel music 
can be heard in the voices of pioneers in American history, such as 
Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, and many 
more.
  The influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms of 
secular music including rock & roll, country, soul, R&B, and countless 
other styles. Gospel music 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.
  While there are many elements, situations, and issues that divide our 
Nation, gospel music has found a unique way to highlight our 
similarities and influence the cultural make of our society. Instead of 
emphasizing our differences, gospel music has found a way to cater to 
the fundamental elements that unite people around the world, focusing 
on the soul of an individual rather than the mind. With that, it is 
important that we do not take this art form for granted. We must make 
sure that the heritage of gospel music is recognized, honored and 
celebrated.
  Over the years, songs like ``Amazing Grace,'' which was written by 
John Newton, a young boy who left school at the age of eleven and began 
a life as a pirate seaman. Eventually he engaged in slavery, capturing 
people from West Africa and selling them to slave markets around the 
world. But by the grace of God, fear was put into his heart when he was 
caught in a violent and fierce storm upon the sea. Newton was so afraid 
of a shipwreck that he began to read ``The Imitation of Christ'' by 
Thomas a' Kepis. Calling himself a wretch who was lost and blind, John 
Newton recognized that God had used this book to lead him to a dramatic 
change in his way of life and this episode led him to write one of the 
most amazing songs throughout history.
  My bill will designate the month of September as ``Gospel Music 
Heritage Month,'' honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing 
contributions to American culture. This bill has generated bipartisan 
support with 65 cosponsors. I urge the rest of my colleagues to join me 
in honoring and celebrating this historic musical art form, and to pass 
H.J. Res. 90 today.
  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, again, I urge all Members to support the 
passage of H.J. Res 90, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting

[[Page H6449]]

Gospel Music Heritage Month, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 90.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the joint resolution was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________