[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING LONNIE BELL

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2018

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lonnie Bell, a 
Montanan who shared his warmth, wit, and talents with hundreds of 
thousands over his seven decades as a country music disc jockey.
   Bell, a Navy veteran with 20 years of service, began entertaining 
audiences while stationed in Oahu in 1953. For the next 30 years, he 
combined genuine love for country music with his authentic and 
unpretentious broadcast style in stations around the country. Bell made 
Montana his permanent home in 1964.
   In 1985, Bell began his second radio career, hosting a popular 
Sunday country music program until last month. In March, the Country 
Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer signed off the air with his final 
broadcast from Billings.
   Along the way, Bell, an accomplished musician, helped country music 
legends Charlie Pride and Loretta Lynn find their way to stardom.
   It is my honor to recognize Lonnie Bell for his countless 
contributions to country music and to our Montana way of life.

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