[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 140 (Tuesday, August 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING AMY KURLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 29, 2017

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, today we honor Amy Kurland, founder of 
the Bluebird Cafe, pioneer of ``in the round'' acoustic sessions, and 
gatekeeper to Nashville songwriters.
  Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and transplanted to the mid-South, Ms. 
Kurland followed her instincts and in 1982 opened ``the Ellis Island of 
Nashville''--a cozy, 100-seat venue for the unheard and unsigned 
songwriters in the heart of the music industry.
  Her intuition and influence pioneered a listening room template used 
worldwide and featured in books, movies, and television. Her solid 
reputation as an advocate and ``den mother'' of songwriters launched 
careers and collaborations. Her keen ability to recognize and execute 
opportunities enabled the Bluebird to sponsor nationwide tours, host 
charity benefits, and develop partnerships with travel destinations. A 
series of bold and audacious decisions have only escalated the venue's 
visibility and success.
  After 25 years, Ms. Kurland entrusted the Bluebird Cafe to the folks 
at Nashville Songwriters Association International and devoted her 
attention and expertise to philanthropic pursuits in education, 
leadership, social justice, and alcohol and drug recovery.
  We honor Amy Kurland with a SOURCE Award, recognizing her vital 
contribution to the success of Music Row and the Nashville 
entertainment industry.

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