[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING KIRK WHALUM FOR RECEIVING THE 2011 GRAMMY AWARD FOR BEST 
                              GOSPEL SONG

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2011

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate jazz saxophonist 
Kirk Whalum for receiving the 2011 Grammy Award from The Recording 
Academy for Best Gospel Song. The award winning song, ``It's What I 
Do,'' is from his album, The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter III. Kirk 
Whalum, a Memphian, is the son of the late Reverend Kenneth Whalum, 
Sr., and Dr. Rosie Whalum. The Whalum family is known for their 
musical, spiritual and community involvement in the Memphis area. In 
addition to receiving the Grammy Award, Mr. Whalum was named the 
President and Chief Financial Officer of the Memphis-based Soulsville 
Foundation in April of 2010.
  Mr. Whalum has been part of the music community for many years, and 
it is great to see him be recognized for his tremendous talents. Over 
the years, he has received multiple Grammy nominations and has won many 
other awards. He has received two Dove Award nominations, a NAACP Image 
Awards nomination and has won two Stellar Awards. In addition to his 
awards, Mr. Whalum has worked with impressive musical artists including 
Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy 
Jones and Whitney Houston.
  Kirk Whalum and the Whalum family are no strangers when it comes to 
community service and musical talent. His father was a prominent 
minister at Memphis's Olivet Baptist Church and also served two terms 
on the Memphis City Council. Kirk Whalum's brother, Reverend Kenneth 
Whalum, Jr., took over their father's post at the Memphis church and is 
also the father of recognized saxophonist, Kenneth T. Whalum III. Kevin 
Whalum, the third Whalum brother, is known for his talents as a jazz 
vocalist. Kirk Whalum's uncle, Hugh ``Peanuts'' Whalum, is a recognized 
singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist.
  Kirk Whalum is a true ambassador of the city of Memphis. He is doing 
great things with his new post at the Soulsville Foundation, which 
oversees the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Stax Music Academy 
and The Soulsville Charter School. Through the Soulsville Foundation, 
he is able to further enrich the musical talents of the youth in 
Memphis and serve as a mentor to budding musicians. His dedication to 
music and musical talent has led him to receive not only many awards 
but has earned him much deserved accolades from the music community. 
Mister Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating Kirk 
Whalum for receiving the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song.

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