[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 67 (Monday, April 19, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         RECOGNIZING THE KENTUCKY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

 Mr. PAUL. Madam President, Kentucky has a rich cultural 
history and is the birthplace of musical artists from every genre and 
era. Proudly showcasing this heritage is the Kentucky Music Hall of 
Fame & Museum in Mount Vernon, KY.
  John Lee Lair, who served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII, 
returned to the States and joined WLS radio in Chicago, where he turned 
his lifelong love of music into a career. He founded the Renfro Valley 
Barn Dance, which was broadcast by several powerful AM stations and 
eventually moved to its final home in Renfro Valley, KY.
  Today we honor one of John Lair's three daughters, Ann Lair 
Henderson, who developed the plan to house the hall of fame and museum 
in the family's vintage horse stable. Following an act of the Kentucky 
General Assembly in 2002, this special tribute to Kentucky's storied 
musicians was born.
  The iconic building, which is listed on the National Register of 
Historic Places, is filled with memorabilia and tributes to over 60 
artists as diverse as Rosemary Clooney, Ricky Skaggs, Lionel Hampton, 
Boots Randolph, and Mary Travers. Nearly 20 years since its founding, 
Ann Lair Henderson, who recently celebrated her 98th birthday, is still 
a vital part of the organization that helps recognize the enormous 
contribution of Kentucky's incredible musical talents. We are grateful 
for Ann's passion for preserving history and for promoting some of the 
Commonwealth's finest treasures. She is a treasure in her own right to 
her local community and a great reminder for us all to keep pursuing 
those things about which we are truly passionate through every season 
of life.

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