[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 166 (Friday, December 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CECIL SCAIFE VISIONARY AWARD AWARDED TO AMY GRANT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2012

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, musical genius is commonplace in Middle 
Tennessee. We see it on the Billboard Top 40, and we ear it in our 
local gathering spots. We are a community of notable note-makers, and 
yet there are those who stand a bit taller among the rest of our 
blessings. I rise today to honor Amy Grant as she receives the Cecil 
Scaife Visionary Award and is recognized for her contribution to 
Tennessee's legendary sound.
  Amy Grant's music is more than a simple part of our lives. From her 
light-hearted hits to the notes and scores that wove their way from our 
darkest moments, Grant's pen continually casts light into our 
collective soul. Bluegrass, gospel, Christian, and pop all claim a bit 
of Grant's heritage as she continues to weave all four together into 
one signature blend. Her music is a part of our Christmas, our Easter, 
and our seasons in between.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me and celebrate Amy Grant not 
simply for her legendary sound and steadfast commitment to the music 
industry, but for her graciousness in paving the way for other singers, 
songwriters, and bare-footed musicians to come along with her. It is 
fitting, then, that she be awarded the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award, 
and I appreciate her faithfulness to Nashville. I also appreciate the 
hard work and support of those who established and continue the Cecil 
Scaife Business Scholarship. Your devotion to those who pioneer the way 
for future music legends helps to strengthen our community and the 
sounds of our home.

                          ____________________