[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING WILLY BEARDEN FOR 33RD ANNUAL DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT 
               AWARD IN THE CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. 
Willy Bearden for receiving the 33rd annual Distinguished Achievement 
Award in the Creative and Performing Arts from the College of 
Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis. Mr. Bearden 
is a unique filmmaker, musician and storyteller, and he has used his 
talents to tell the distinct tales about the great city of Memphis, 
Tennessee.
  Willy Bearden is perhaps best known for his Memphis Memoirs, a series 
of documentary films detailing the rich local history. The series 
includes Overton Park: A Century of Change, Playing for a Piece of the 
Door: A History of Garage Bands in Memphis and Elmwood: Reflections of 
Memphis. Mr. Bearden also has a feature film to his credit, One Came 
Home, which was inspired by his Mississippi Delta roots.
  His recent Memphis Legacy Project, a collection of thousands of 
photographs of various neighborhoods around Memphis, will be a resource 
for local researchers and artists for years to come. Mr. Bearden has 
also generously given back to his community by lending his talents to 
the Blues Foundation, the Cotton Museum and the Memphis Wonders Series 
for corporate and educational films, commercials and award show 
productions.
  The Distinguished Achievement Award was established in 1977 after the 
death of Elvis Presley when Dr. John Bakke, a communications professor 
at the University of Memphis, suggested that local talent should be 
honored while they are still alive. Willy Bearden joins Sam Phillips, 
founder of Sun Records, B.B. King, Al Green, Rufus Thomas and a host of 
other talented Memphis recipients.
  I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Willy 
Bearden. It is important to recognize and appreciate talent while we 
are fortunate enough to enjoy their continued output. My hope is that 
Mr. Bearden continues sharing his gifts and unique perspective with us 
for years to come.

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