[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            THERESA JENKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2019

  Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career 
of Theresa Jenkins. My home state of Texas fosters a remarkable music 
scene. One such remarkable person I had the privilege knowing was 
Theresa Jenkins. Theresa was Senior Executive Director of the Texas 
Chapter of the Recording Academy. In that role and throughout her life, 
she was a tireless advocate for the music community of Texas.
  Theresa began her career at Recording Academy in 2004. Soon after, 
the Recording Academy, best known for the annual GRAMMY Awards, quickly 
recognized her talent and within a year promoted her to Executive 
Director of the Texas Chapter. As the organization's face in Texas, she 
had a hand in growing the careers of many songwriters, performers, 
producers and other music professionals in our state.
  During her visits to Washington, I identified Theresa as an 
unwavering advocate for the rights of music makers. Year after year, 
she would walk these halls with prominent music makers from Texas and 
make the case for passage of legislation to help creators, such as the 
landmark Music Modernization Act we passed last year. Back in Texas, 
Teresa led groups to the state capital for the Texas Arts Advocacy Day 
in Austin. No matter where or when I encountered her, Theresa's 
commitment, energy, and passion was always evident.
  She recently poured that energy and passion into creating a world-
class celebration of Texas music at the Texas Chapter's 25th 
Anniversary celebration. Sadly, Theresa was unable to attend the 
festivity in person as in December of last year, she was diagnosed with 
advanced stage Esophageal cancer, and was undergoing treatment at the 
time. Despite this, Theresa continued to work for the Texas music 
community, often making calls from her hospital bed.
  Though Theresa was unable to attend the celebration, her husband Cris 
and daughters Jackie and Marina were on hand to hear the gratitude of 
the entire Texas music community. As the Recording Academy's Chair 
Emeritus, Christine Albert stated at the event:
  ``For 15 years, Theresa has been a constant--the hub of the wheel, 
the eye of the hurricane, the den mother to our troop, herder of our 
cats and the quarterback of our team. She has also been a friend, 
advisor, and cheerleader.
  Throughout her illness, she has continued to work on this gala as 
well as the ongoing robust agenda of deadlines and projects that are 
involved in keeping the Recording Academy's mission moving forward. At 
the same time, she has made countless trips to MD Anderson in Houston, 
undergone chemotherapy, spent precious time with her family and 
friends, and taken care of her body, mind and spirit.
  We are all together, in one room. I ask you to generate all the love, 
gratitude, prayers, healing and good juju you can find in your hearts 
and send it to our good friend and fearless leader, Theresa Jenkins.''
  Christine's words were conveyed to Theresa with the prayers and good 
wishes of a grateful community.
  Sadly, last month, Theresa passed away. The moving tributes from so 
many musicians are a testament to the love and respect she earned so 
well.
  I will miss seeing Theresa leading her fellow Texans through the 
Halls of Congress and the statehouse. However, I know her legacy will 
live on and that the lives of our music community have been made better 
by their steadfast champion, Theresa Jenkins.

                          ____________________