[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 183 (Tuesday, November 29, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RAY STEVENS

 Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam President, today I rise to honor a true 
Music City legend. For more than 50 years, Ray Stevens has delighted 
audiences with his talents as a comedian, an actor, a musician, and a 
songwriter. His unique vision for the future of entertainment allowed 
him to blaze trails no other artists would dare tread alone.
  As a fellow Tennessean, and one of Ray's biggest fans, you can 
believe me when I say that you have never seen anything like Ray 
Stevens. It would have been easy for him to justify resting on his 
laurels while Music City grew around him, but if you know Ray, you know 
that was never a possibility. Although he achieved fame for his work in 
the creative arts, he is best known for leading with laughter, 
kindness, and an unfailing desire to encourage fellow artists.
  In 1971, Ray and a group of fellow Music Row luminaries led by Cecil 
Scaife came together to create a music business program at Belmont 
University, where aspiring entertainers could exercise both their 
talents and their business acumen. This tremendous effort changed the 
industry for the better and set an example for the city's rising stars. 
Today, the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award is given annually to those 
whose life and work have made it possible for future generations to 
realize careers in the music industry, and I could not have been 
happier when I learned that Ray is one of this year's recipients.
  Ray, on behalf of all Tennesseans, I thank you for your devotion to 
the arts, your zest for life, and for going above and beyond on behalf 
all who hope to walk in your footsteps.

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