[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE HENRY ``HANQ'' NEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2014

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the memory 
of a spiritual leader and an extraordinary musical artist from Houston, 
Texas, the Honorable Henry ``Hanq'' Neal.
  Mr. Neal was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 4, 1956. He had 
a lifelong love of music, especially gospel music, singing in his youth 
choir at church. Mr. Neal went on to become a legendary gospel singer, 
musical artist, and minister of music. Throughout his career, he 
performed with several different gospel acts and was nominated for a 
Grammy for his rendition of ``If You Move Yourself' with the legendary 
gospel group Donald Vails Choraleers in 1980.
  He also inspired his community with his work as a minister of music 
at Windsor Village United Methodist Church and then Wheeler Avenue 
Baptist Church in Houston. Both churches credit Mr. Neal with expanding 
and revolutionizing their choirs. Throughout Mr. Neal's career, he was 
consistently in demand for his musical talents, performing at mayoral 
inaugurations, for Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, and Congressman Mickey 
Leland's memorial service in 1989.
  As we bid farewell to an exceptional talent and man of God, we 
acknowledge that our community has lost a resounding voice for faith. 
Although this is a significant loss, we must find consolation in 
knowing that many of our lives have been forever changed by the God-
given talent of the Honorable Henry ``Hanq'' Neal.

                          ____________________