[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 202 (Friday, December 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF ROY HARGROVE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 21, 2018

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to 
recognize the life of a man whose artistic abilities and musical 
prominence were born of my hometown. Roy Hargrove was a world-renowned 
jazz trumpeter, who won two Grammys in his career for best Latin Jazz 
performance in 1998 and then best jazz instrumental album in 2003. The 
impact of his musical career, however, was defined by much more than 
the five albums he released or the many awards he won.
  A Waco, Texas native, like myself, Mr. Hargrove moved to Dallas at a 
young age, where he attended the Booker T. Washington School for the 
Performing and Visual Arts to study music. Though only 49 years old 
when he passed, Mr. Hargrove earned respect for his musical abilities 
from his peers while in his teens. For over 30 years, Mr. Hargrove's 
musical genius was celebrated by accomplished musicians who's path he 
followed. These musicians included Dallas' very own David ``Fathead'' 
Newman, who inspired Mr. Hargrove to continue pursuing his passion for 
music in the 1980s. After beginning his performing career in the 
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex during his teenage years, Mr. Hargrove 
moved to New York City to continue his studies of music. In addition to 
launching his professional career, it is here that he founded The Jazz 
Gallery, a space that serves as a hub for new music.
  It is noted by those who value his career that Mr. Hargrove created a 
unique sound that bridged traditional jazz with hip-hop and R&B. He was 
instrumental in bringing neo-soul to prominence. Mr. Hargrove will be 
most remembered as both an exceptional soloist and a brilliant 
collaborator.
  Mr. Speaker, jazz is one of my favorite genres of music, and Dallas 
is my hometown. Roy Hargrove represents both of these two things, which 
are dear to me. Today, I wish to offer my condolences to the Hargrove 
family and the Booker T. Washington family who have lost one of their 
most adored members. Let us remember the joy Mr. Hargrove brought to 
others through his music and continue the tradition of passing on his 
passion through the teaching of music to the young people of this 
country.

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