[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 53 (Friday, March 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      EMISSARIES OF MEMPHIS MUSIC

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 30, 2012

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, the Tennessee 7th Congressional District 
is full of great land, great people, and great music. From the annual 
Fiddler's Convention in Clarksville to the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival 
in Clifton, this area of the country is known for its ``noted'' legacy. 
I rise today in celebration of another great tribute to our distinct 
sound, the Emissaries of Memphis Music.
  In its fourth year, the Emissaries of Memphis Music honors those who 
grow the creative and musical culture of Memphis. From Estelle Axton at 
Stax Records, to the women being honored this year by the Memphis and 
Shelby County Music Commission, the function that women play in our 
musical legacy cannot be overlooked. Through writing, producing, 
recording, performing, or leading, women have long dedicated their 
time, talents, and treasures to expanding excellence in the music 
industry.
  Their accomplishments differ from woman to woman, but their influence 
on and dedication to their craft remains steady. I rise to congratulate 
Ann Peebles, Wendy Moten, Anita Ward, Alexis Grace, Bethany Paige, Bev 
Johnson, Anita Makris, and Anne Pitts on their being named the 2012 
Emissaries of Memphis Music. I ask my colleagues to join with me in 
celebration of the unique contributions each of these women offers to 
the great musical heritage of Tennessee.

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