[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S7247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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        TRIBUTE TO THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022

   Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam President, on October 16, Music City 
welcomed the Country Music Hall of Fame's Class of 2022, Joe Galante, 
Jerry Lee Lewis, and Keith Whitley, into country music's closest circle 
of friends. As a lifelong fan, I like to spend time each year 
reflecting not only on the ties that bind the genre, but on those that 
set each generation of artists, songwriters, musicians, and executives 
apart. This year, the Hall's newest members have one very simple thing 
in common: Country music came naturally to them.
  If all had gone according to plan for Joe Galante, he never would 
have spent his life making country music. This year's Non-Performer 
inductee came to Nashville on a 2-year assignment as a junior financial 
analyst, then spent more than four decades modernizing the country 
music recording industry's business practices as one of the most 
influential executives in entertainment. The industry at the time may 
not have known what to make of this young man from New York City, but 
the industry of today is far more successful and creative for having 
embraced his vision of what country music could be.
  On October 28, 2022, we lost Jerry Lee Lewis, this year's Veterans 
Era Artist inductee. But if there was ever an entertainer whose spirit 
will endure in the music of future generations of country stars, it is 
Jerry Lee. He made his mark in rock & roll, gospel, and the blues, but 
country is where he felt most at home. He was one of the greatest 
showmen in music and he knew it--and as the Hall's CEO Kyle Young put 
it, who are we to argue?
  Keith Whitley, this year's Modern Era Artist inductee, died before he 
reached most of country's unique career milestones. But during his 
short time in the spotlight, he stood at the forefront of the New 
Traditionalist revival and convinced Music City that while sonic 
evolution was inevitable, country's roots would always be waiting for 
artists brave enough to embrace them. Keith struggled to control the 
darkest parts of himself and eventually succumbed, leaving behind a 
singular body of work that reveals a passion and dedication to the 
craft we have rarely seen since.
  On behalf of all Tennesseans, it is my honor to celebrate these men 
for their contributions to the gift that is country music.

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