[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO JAMES ``JIM'' ALBERT CULLUM, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 27, 2019

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of jazz 
legend Jim Cullum, Jr. who passed on August 11, 2019. Mr. Cullum hails 
from my hometown of San Antonio. For 60 years he exemplified what it 
means to be an artist. He is survived by his longtime companion, Donna 
Cloud; sister, Mary Conoly Hester; children, Bonnie Cullum, Blanquita 
Sullivan, Lene Conner-Foley, Chris Cullum, James Cullum, Katie Cullum, 
and Catlin Cloud; and six grandchildren. Although the San Antonio and 
Jazz community will mourn the loss of Jim Cullum, Jr., his impact will 
endure for many years to come.
  James ``Jim'' Albert Cullum, Jr. was born on September 20, 1941 to 
James Albert Cullum and Conoly Prendergast Cullum. At an early age he 
was drawn to music, listening to his father's records and who was a 
well-respected jazz clarinetist and saxophonist. In 1953, the family 
moved to San Antonio from Dallas.
  In 1963, the Cullum family established the Landing Jazz Club in the 
basement of the Nix Hospital, becoming the first nightclub on San 
Antonio's historic Riverwalk. For decades, the Landing played six 
nights a week until the passing of Jim Cullum, Sr. Shortly after, the 
band renamed itself the Jim Cullum Band. Since then, the band performed 
over 300 jazz masses across the United States. The band and its members 
became ambassadors of the City of San Antonio, and played in venues 
like the Carnegie Hall, Austin City Limits, the White House, and the 
Kennedy Center.
  Jim Cullum carried his performances throughout the world and taught 
music workshops locally. He served as the president of the San 
Francisco Traditional Jazz Foundation and created the Cullum Riverwalk 
Jazz radio program, syndicated on National Public Radio broadcasting. 
The weekly program reached across 200 stations for 25 years.
  Cullum was a historian at heart. He dedicated much of his time 
advocating for the preservation of San Antonio's historic sites. He was 
known to live by the Golden Rule, holding strong convictions of 
integrity and respect. Notably, he inspired many to pursue their 
interest in music and would bring light into every room he occupied.
  A mentor, artist, and activist are just a few words to describe such 
a remarkable individual. Madam Speaker, I am proud to stand and 
recognize this brilliant bohemian who dedicated his life to music and 
community. He will be greatly missed.

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