[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 164 (Thursday, October 17, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INDUCTION OF BROOKS & DUNN, RAY STEVENS, AND JERRY BRADLEY INTO THE 
                       COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, in Nashville, we have a saying: it all 
starts with a song; but a song is just the beginning of the story.
  This Sunday, Nashville's unbroken circle of elite artists, producers, 
entertainers, and musical masterminds will welcome four new members 
into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
  Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Ray Stevens, and Jerry Bradley represent 
different sectors within the music industry, but they have all 
contributed to country music's evolution.
  Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn--we know them as Brooks & Dunn--began 
their careers as solo singer-songwriters but rocketed to stardom as a 
duo. Their fusion of classic rock composition and heartfelt songwriting 
spoke to country music fans craving an edge to the genre's traditional 
``Nashville Sound.'' Nearly three decades after their first album 
dropped, their music still inspires emerging generations of fans.
  From the beginning of his career, audiences and fellow artists alike 
were drawn to Ray Stevens' wonderful sense of humor, open heart, and 
commitment to entertainment as an art form. Known for his work in 
musical comedy, Ray stretched his legs and also made a name for himself 
as a studio musician, producer, songwriter, publisher, label owner, 
gospel singer, and country star.
  Jerry Bradley, this year's final inductee, may not have invented 
country music, but no one on Music Row would deny the impact his work 
has had on generations of country stars. Jerry began his career in 
Nashville when the industry was on the brink of a major transformation. 
He drove the format into a new era defined by rebels, outlaws, and 
crossover superstars.
  Today, I encourage my colleagues to take a moment to think of their 
favorite song and to remember how it made them feel the first time they 
heard it.
  Kix, Ronnie, Ray, and Jerry are responsible for making millions of 
people feel that exact same way about their favorite song.
  Their body of work represents more than just a series of 
accomplishments. It represents the best of Music City.
  It is a gift.

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