[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1252-E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION ON ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2018

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Country Music 
Association for its 60 years of providing unity, purpose, and 
leadership within the country music industry.
  The Country Music Association was the first trade association formed 
to promote a genre of music. Since its founding in 1958, it has

[[Page E1253]]

grown from its original 160 members and today represents more than 
7,400 industry professionals. The Country Music Association preserves 
the industry's rich heritage and time-honored traditions. This 
organization's tireless advocacy has brought the appreciation for and 
the excellence of country music to new heights.
  Country Music is the story of America, and the Country Music 
Association shares this story around the world. The Country Music 
Association celebrates life by connecting those near and far and making 
global connections through the gift of music. Country music creates a 
place for everyone by evoking celebration and pain, joy and sorrow, 
love and loss.
  The country music industry is as charitable as it is talented. The 
Country Music Association Foundation, the organization's charitable 
group, has invested more than $21 million in improving and sustaining 
music education programs across the nation. Thanks to these efforts, 
students from everywhere are gaining skills and knowledge to help them 
succeed in all facets of their lives.
  The power of country music is boundless, and the Country Music 
Association ensures that its genius is reaching every corner of this 
world and will continue to do so for generations to come.
  I am honored to represent the home of the Country Music Association 
in Nashville, Tennessee, and am proud to recognize its 60th 
anniversary.

                          ____________________