[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 6, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       FREDDIE AND ERNEST TAVARES

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I congratulate Hawaiian music 
legends Frederick ``Freddie'' and Ernest Tavares for receiving the 
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts in 
recognition of their contributions to the music industry.
  Born and raised on the island of Maui, Freddie and Ernest Tavares 
exhibited musical talent at an early age. Both men enjoyed long careers 
in music and played important roles in popularizing Hawaiian music 
across the United States.
  As a musician, Ernest did it all. He was a singer-songwriter, 
arranger, and inventor. His innovations led to the creation of the 
modern pedal steel guitar, which he played with the Harry Owens Royal 
Hawaiian Orchestra, Paul Page's South Sea Serenade, and T. Texas Tyler 
& His Western Dance Band. He also played the electric bass, ukulele, 
flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, and Hawaiian & Tahitian drums.
  Freddie Tavares, Ernest's younger brother, shared this love of music 
and innovation. Collaborating with guitar legend Leo Fender, Freddie 
played an important role in designing the Fender Stratocaster, a guitar 
that is the standard for many rock musicians. His work and dedication 
earned him induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame and the Fender 
Hall of Fame. Freddie also performed with many notable artists, such as 
Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, the Andrews Sisters, and Henry 
Mancini.
  Throughout their musical careers, Freddie and Ernest Tavares 
performed in many record albums and movie soundtracks. Both brothers 
also collaborated in numerous performances and shows. Their many 
talents and innovations had a great impact on the music industry and 
made Hawaii proud.
  Long before being elected to Congress, I taught music and band in 
Hawaii's schools, and I am honored to recognize Freddie and Ernest for 
their numerous and invaluable accomplishments in the music business. 
Although both brothers are no longer with us, I extend my aloha and 
sincere thanks to the Tavares family for keeping the legacy of Freddie 
and Ernest Tavares alive.

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