[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO OTIS CLAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to 
Mr. Otis Clay, an outstanding international artist who lived, worked, 
and was intimately involved in the North Lawndale community of Chicago, 
which I am proud to represent.
  Otis Clay was born in Waxhaw, Mississippi, and ultimately made his 
way to the west side of Chicago, where he made his home.
  Otis began his musical career as a gospel singer and, like many other 
artists, switched over to rhythm and blues and recorded his first hit 
in 1967, ``That's How it is When You're in Love,'' which reached number 
34 on the national charts.
  Otis performed and recorded in Europe, Japan, and Switzerland. 
Although Otis Clay reached national acclaim, he continued to live in 
the North Lawndale community, was a regular at local churches, 
festivals, and community events. He established his own recording 
studio, owned a local cleaners, and was known as a regular in the 
community.
  I was fortunate to have Otis Clay attend and perform at many events 
that I sponsored over the years, and it was indeed an honor to be able 
to call him my personal friend.
  Otis was involved with the Tobacco Road Project and was instrumental, 
along with Alderman Dorothy Tillman, in establishing the Harold 
Washington Cultural Center in the Third Ward on the south side of 
Chicago.
  My neighborhood and our world community has lost a great artist and 
entertainer, but also a great human being. I extend condolences to his 
family. I know that, when the gates swing open, Otis Clay will come 
walking in.

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