[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 11, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H6686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DAVE BRUBECK

  (Mr. GARAMENDI asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor to celebrate 
the life of one of California's greatest native sons, the Ambassador of 
Jazz, Dave Brubeck. The man behind the immortal classics like ``Take 
Five'' and ``Blue Rondo a la Turk'' was born in Concord, California, a 
city I'm proud to represent.
  Drafted to serve in General Patton's Army during World War II, he 
formed the Army's first integrated band. He would later tour with black 
musicians in the Jim Crow South during the height of the civil rights 
movement, insisting on a mixed-race quartet and integrated crowds. 
Because of this courageous stand, 23 out of 25 of his shows were 
canceled one summer.
  ``Jazz is the voice of freedom,'' he said.
  With suave sophistication, Brubeck would become a leader in the West 
Coast cool jazz scene, putting California jazz on the map. Dave Brubeck 
performed before Presidents, Prime Ministers, Premiers, and pontiffs. 
He was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts, and 
he was awarded the National Medal of the Arts.
  On a personal note, during the 16 years I represented Stockton, 
Brubeck often came there to help the University of the Pacific and many 
charities.
  Today, I hope everyone can Take Five to remember a remarkable 
American: Dave Brubeck.

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