[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MR. ANDERSON ``ANDY'' HARDWICK, JR.

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
an extraordinary Mississippian, Mr. Anderson ``Andy'' Hardwick, Jr., 
whose life as a musician, cultural ambassador, and public servant has 
left an indelible mark on Mississippi's musical heritage and civic 
fabric.
  Born on June 10, 1935, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Andy grew up in a 
home filled with music and faith. He was raised on Crawford Street by 
his parents, Anderson, Sr. and Lillian Hardwick, and began performing 
professionally at just 12 years old. By the age of 17, he had become 
the youngest original member of the famed Red Tops, a rhythm and blues 
band that became a staple across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
  Andy is a graduate of Alcorn State College, where he majored in 
Business Education and played in the college band. In 1957, he enlisted 
in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Paris, France. While there, 
he directed and coordinated USO entertainment for American troops 
stationed across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It was 
during this period that he shared stages with jazz legends such as Art 
Blakey, Dexter Gordon, Sarah Vaughan, and other greats, earning him 
admiration both as a musical talent and a cultural envoy.
  Following his service, Andy returned to Mississippi and formed Sounds 
Unlimited, a group that carried his signature jazz and soul style into 
clubs, colleges, and concert halls across the South. He also led the 
house band at Jackson's iconic Poets nightclub for more than 15 years. 
During this time, he shared stages with icons like James Brown, Ray 
Charles, Otis Redding, B.B. King, Fats Domino, and more, bringing 
world-class performances to Mississippi and mentoring younger musicians 
along the way.
  Beyond the stage, Andy contributed to community health and education. 
He served as business manager for the Tufts-Delta Health Center in 
Mound Bayou, helping launch the region's first federally funded 
community health center. Later, he became Vice President of Fiscal 
Affairs at Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. After returning to 
Mississippi, he continued to perform at venues like the Hilton in 
Jackson, all while mentoring a new generation of jazz artists.
  Andy was married to the late Mrs. Velma Sims Hardwick for 54 years, a 
union rooted in love, faith, and shared purpose. Together, they built a 
beautiful family, raising three children, six grandchildren, and two 
great-grandchildren, many of whom continue to carry forward his passion 
for music and service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Anderson 
Hardwick, Jr., a master musician, mentor, veteran, and cultural 
torchbearer. His legacy is not only written in music notes but in the 
hearts of the communities he has uplifted and inspired for over seven 
decades.

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