[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 99 (Thursday, June 11, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF CARLISLE FLOYD

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 2026

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate the 
life and legacy of a remarkable South Carolinian, a true giant in 
American music, widely regarded as the Father of Modern American Opera, 
Carlisle Floyd.
  Born in Latta, South Carolina, in 1926, Carlisle Floyd would have 
turned 100 on June 11. During his life, he carried with him the 
stories, sounds, and spirit of the American South throughout his 
extraordinary career. From those roots, he created operas that spoke 
not only to our region, but to the nation and the world.
  His works--most notably Susannah and Of Mice and Men--redefined what 
American opera could be. They brought everyday people to the operatic 
stage, told deeply human stories in an unmistakably American voice, and 
made the art form more accessible, more relevant, and more enduring. In 
doing so, he inspired generations of composers, performers, and 
audiences.
  Beyond his compositions, he was a dedicated educator and 
institutional leader, helping to build and elevate programs like the 
Houston Grand Opera Studio, where he mentored young artists and ensured 
the future of American opera would remain vibrant and innovative.
  And through it all, he remained a proud son of South Carolina--
earning recognition including the Order of the Palmetto, our state's 
highest civilian honor.
  As we mark the centennial of his birth, we celebrate more than his 
achievements--we celebrate his impact. His music continues to be 
performed on stages across the country and around the world, reminding 
us that great art has the power to connect, to challenge, and to 
endure.
  Carlisle Floyd's legacy is a testament to the richness of American 
creativity and the profound contributions that can come from a small 
town in South Carolina
  I am grateful to honor his life, his work, and his lasting imprint on 
American culture.

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