[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. EMMIT ELLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Emmit Ellis, Jr., professionally known as ``Bobby Rush'', an award-
winning rhythm and blues artist--composer, musician, singer; and I'm 
proud to say a resident of the Second Congressional District of 
Mississippi.
  Emmit Ellis, Jr. was born in the small town of Homer, Louisiana to 
father Emmit Sr. and mother Mattie Ellis. Emmit Ellis, Jr. later 
adopted his stage name ``Bobby Rush'' out of respect for his father 
standing in the community as a minister.
  Bobby's passion for music began early during his childhood, as he 
built his first primitive guitar from a broom. At age 13, his family 
moved to Chicago, IL, where he formed his own band and performed 
locally at ``juke joints'' playing the guitar. He later incorporated 
the harmonica into his repertoire of singing and guitar playing, 
thereby creating his own unique musical flair dubbed ``folk-funk'' 
music.
  His zeal for music and innate talent afforded him the opportunity to 
perform with musical legends such as Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and 
Ray Charles. His colorful style in music was recognized when he became 
the only Blues artist to win the highest honor in both ``Best Acoustic 
Artist of the Year'' at the Blues Music Awards for his album Rush, and 
``Best Soul Blues Artist.''
  Mr. Rush also became a Grammy nominee in 2000 for his album Hoochie 
Mama. His popularity continues to this day: this year, he was again 
nominated for ``Male Soul Blues Artist'' at the Blues Music Awards.
  He is also an internationally recognized artist, and, in fact, was 
the first artist to perform Blues at the Great Wall of China to an 
audience of 40,000. His dedication to promote peace through the 
language of music has not gone unnoticed. He was recognized as the 
Friendship Ambassador and Spokesperson to the Great Wall of China 
Foundation; and referred to as the ``International Dean of the Blues''.
  In addition to performing at the Great Wall of China and other 
international venues, he has also performed in the most esteemed 
concert halls in the United States including the Kennedy Center and 
Carnegie Hall.
  Mr. Rush maintains strong relationships with his fans, often 
performing to purely share his passion for music with others. He has 
demonstrated his patriotism and charity by performing for our troops in 
Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, and has supported projects for prisons 
and at-risk youth. He also annually entertains veterans and active 
servicemen through his own Red, White and Blues Jam where he gives more 
than 2,000 free tickets to veterans to attend.
  He continues to perform locally, and plays for charity events and 
mentors other artists. The compassion and generosity that Mr. Rush 
consistently expresses are truly commendable.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Emmit 
Ellis, Jr. (Bobby Rush) for his outstanding talent, community service, 
and dedication to sharing the Blues with the world.

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