[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 65 (Monday, April 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E467-E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 60TH REUNION OF ``THE EL COROLS BAND AND SHOW''

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 2019

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring members of ``El Corols Band and 
Show'' (El Corols) on their 60th reunion celebration, which will take 
place on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church 
in Southwest, Washington, D.C.

[[Page E468]]

  In 1959, a group of students in the music department at Shaw Junior 
High School formed El Corols, the first rhythm and blues band in the 
District of Columbia. El Corols was highly sought-after for school and 
private parties all over the city and beyond. The band performed for 
many charitable and community organizations throughout the city. During 
the summer, the group spent the majority of its time performing at 
Carr's Beach, a public beach for African Americans in Annapolis, 
Maryland. (African Americans were not welcome at any of the ``white'' 
beaches. Although our nation was segregated, many found comfort and joy 
through the vibrant musical talents of El Corols.)
  The band consisted of teenagers, yet the members were honored and 
privileged to be the ``house band'' at the beach. The band was 
presented with opportunities to perform and accompanied many of the 
famous stars of that era, including Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle and 
the Bluebells, Bobby ``Blue'' Bland, Billy Stewart, Gene Chandler, and 
James Brown, to name a few. As teenagers, the band members had no idea 
that they were making history. They were simply excited about playing 
music and entertaining.
  The apex of El Corols' experience was their performance with Nat King 
Cole in 1963 at Eastern High School, where United States Attorney 
General Robert F. Kennedy was an honored guest. Another highlight of El 
Corols' experience was the invitation to perform at the Debutante 
Cotillion of New York Socialite Fernanda Wetherhill Wannamaker in South 
Hampton, Long Island.
  As the members of El Corols reflect on their teenage years, they 
continue to cherish the lifelong memories and experiences they were 
afforded simply due to their dedication to and love of music.
  El Corols is indebted to its manager, Captain William Rumsey, who was 
Dunbar High School's Military Science Teacher. Captain Rumsey later 
became the Principal of McKinley Technical High School, and upon his 
retirement from the public school system, he became Director of the 
District of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. Captain Rumsey 
was a strict disciplinarian and assured the band members' parents that 
they were in capable hands and would be well cared for under his 
management. Captain Rumsey never failed in his commitment to the band 
and stands in a proud space in history alongside the members of El 
Corols.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the rich history of 
El Corols on the occasion of its 60th reunion. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in this recognition.

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