[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S5719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING LASKER ``LAS'' BELL, SR.

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to remember the life 
of Lasker ``Las'' Bell, Sr., an iconic radio and television personality 
who brought music into the hearts and minds of people living in 
Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, who passed away on September 12, 
2016.
  Bell was born in Homer, LA, and spent much of his childhood as a 
sharecropper, working alongside his maternal grandparents, who raised 
him. In 1944, he moved to Camden, AR, which became his home.
  He honorably served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army. When 
he was discharged in 1952, he returned to Camden where he put his 
vision to become a radio and television host into motion.
  In 1967, Bell turned his passion for music into a hosting gig at KJWH 
in El Dorado. He continued that momentum and turned the excitement for 
soul music in the region into the ``Las Bell Variety Show.'' By 1970, 
it was a weekly staple on the airwaves that helped define a generation 
of people in the region. He aimed to offer African Americans the same 
opportunity as the nationwide hit show ``American Bandstand.''
  He broke barriers as the first Black interviewer for Channel 10 News 
and continued to pursue his other hosting responsibilities, adding a 
gospel show to the radio.
  Bell's commitment to the community led him to serve on and establish 
civic organizations to help make a difference. His service includes 
founding the Elks Club in Camden and serving on the Bi-racial Committee 
for the Camden schools. He was appointed to the Human Resources 
Commission by Governor David Pryor and reappointed by Governor Frank 
White.
  As a faithful follower of Christ, Bell shared the stories of Jesus. 
His friends remember his smile that would brighten anyone's day.
  I want to offer my prayers and sincere condolences to Las's loved 
ones on their loss. I thank him for his lifelong passion for 
entertainment and sharing that with Arkansans and the region.

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