[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND MUSIC OF RUFUS THOMAS

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                        HON. HAROLD E. FORD, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of one of music's 
greatest icons, Rufus Thomas, who passed away in Memphis, TN, on 
December 15, 2001, at the age of 84. As his family and friends mourn 
his passing, it is appropriate that we pay tribute to him and his 
legacy.
  Rufus Thomas was known as one of Memphis' most colorful, influential, 
and beloved entertainers during a career that spanned more than seventy 
years. As a pioneering disc jockey at WDIA, an accomplished recording 
artist, and a prolific performer throughout his long career, Mr. Thomas 
made invaluable contributions to Memphis' storied musical heritage.
  Rufus Thomas became widely known for songs such as ``Walking the 
Dog,'' ``Do the Funky Chicken,'' ``Can Your Monkey Do the Dog?,'' 
``Push and Pull,'' ``Breakdown'' and ``Do the Funky Penguin.'' But Mr. 
Thomas's musical contributions went far beyond commercial success. A 
true musical pioneer, he opened the door for many young musicians and 
helped catapult African American music into the limelight as a 
cornerstone of popular culture and entertainment. Mr. Thomas helped 
found two historic recording studios, Stax Records and Sun Records, 
that helped launch the careers of many musical legends, including B. B. 
King, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Elvis Presley.
  In recognition of his great contributions, Rufus Thomas was honored 
by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, one of many accolades he 
received throughout his career. His songs have remained popular since 
their release and have been re-recorded by groups such as Aerosmith and 
the Rolling Stones. He was featured as a performer at the 1996 Olympic 
Games in Atlanta.
  Yet, even with all of his successes, Rufus Thomas remained an 
integral part of the community--always accessible and willing to 
perform for his many devoted fans. Until he became ill in November of 
this year, he never spoke of retiring and referred to himself as the 
``World's Oldest Teenager.'' He explained, ``I ain't old. You don't get 
old when you're doing what you love and enjoying every minute of it.''
  Rufus Thomas made a life of doing what he loved and for that he was 
loved by all who knew him. A true symbol of undying youth and optimism, 
Mr. Thomas will be remembered for the kind heart and boundless energy 
that he displayed in all aspects of his life, and for the mark he left 
on musical history.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with profound reverence that we honor Rufus 
Thomas. He will be missed and remembered fondly by his family and 
friends, an entire community, and musicians and music lovers 
everywhere.

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